ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to enhance understanding of the concept of 'process', drawing on other theories you may already have heard of: attachment theory, Baumrind's 'authoritative' parenting, Rogers' ideas on 'the relationship', insights from sociocultural theory and finally the cognitive theories of Jean Piaget. A number of key psychological theories may be incorporated within the framework provided by Bronfenbrenner's concept of process. One that was explicitly acknowledged by Bronfenbrenner as relevant to proximal processes was attachment theory, which offers one of the most well-known explanations of how babies and young children develop security within relationships. The concept of proximal processes also allows for incorporation of the ideas of Diana Baumrind. Incorporating the work of others who have extended her original findings, Baumrind identified three features that consistently differentiate effective parenting styles from those that are less effective, including acceptance, involvement and emotional support, appropriate control to guide behaviour, and support for independence and autonomy, promoting self-reliance.
