Correlates of compliance and the rudiments of conscience in two-year-old boys.

Abstract
Compliance was studied in the context of parent-child interaction in a sample of 90 2 1/2 yr old boys by means of naturalistic home observation and interviews. Compliance criteria, including a rating for internalized standards, correlated positively with independence and maturity of speech. Multiple regression analyses of the criteria with parent variables showed that consistently enforced discipline, encouragement of independence, psychological rewards and maternal play made important contributions to the positive prediction of compliance, whereas physical punishment and use of material rewards were negatively associated with it. A reciprocity system existed between child and parent compliance. The findings underline the importance of cognitive structure, and positive social reinforcement as well as of a parental authority role, for moral development.

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