Other centeredness and susceptibility to charitable appeals: Effects of perceived discipline.

Examined children's perceptions of induction and power assertion in maternal socialization practices in relationship to 4 facets of social concern or other-centeredness. 164 Ss from the 5th and 8th grades of a Catholic school participated. Perceived induction was positively correlated with reported importance of other-centered values, mature understanding of the meaning of kindness, and peer ratings of kindness and consideration. Perceived power assertion correlated negatively with perceived induction, but independently it has questionable value in the prediction of other-centeredness. Donations elicited under varying appeals were used as a behavioral measure of other-centeredness. Donations were more generous when the appeal was consistent with perceived socialization style. Ss with higher perceived induction were more generous under neutral and inductive appeal conditions but not under power-assertive appeals. Younger Ss gave more in the power appeal, while older Ss' donations increased with an inductive appeal. Implications for child rearing are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)