Intergenerational stability in parenting across two generations: A multilevel meta-analytic review

Abstract

Estimates of intergenerational stability in parenting mechanisms differ within and across studies. This preregistered meta-analysis synthesized the results of longitudinal three-generation studies that measured parenting in two generations of parents with minors. Three-level random-effects analyses included 408 effect sizes from 24 data sets, reported in 51 peer-reviewed articles published until November 2021 (sample size: mean N = 373.32). The results showed that the intergenerational stability in parenting is low on average (r = .12, 95% confidence interval [.09, .16], p < .001), with significant and substantial variation in effect sizes within and between data sets. Moderation analyses showed that effect sizes were larger for Generation 1 (G1) acceptance and negativity as opposed to autonomy support and structure, G1 mothers or both G1 parents as opposed to G1 fathers, measurements of G1 parenting, and when Generation 2 (G2) children were younger, rather than older. Effect sizes were smaller when G1 and G2 parenting were both reported by G2 and when attrition was higher. A funnel plot, Precision Effect Test-Precision Effect Estimate with Standard Errors test, and three-parameter selection model provided few indications of publication bias. Effect sizes were also not dependent on the journal's impact factor and publication year. Overall, this meta-analysis showed that intergenerational stability in parenting is on average modest but also identified conditions under which there is more intergenerational stability. Differences in intergenerational stability of parenting can be explained by considering parenting dimensions, gender, age, and methodological factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).