Abstract

The current study examines the effects of parenting style and parental conflict on child development with regard to their mental health, personality, and belonging. Research on different types of parenting styles, defined by Baumrind (1967, 1978), parental conflict, and their relations to adolescents’ school performance, mental health, and their satisfaction and self-identity was explored in this paper. To investigate the relationship between parenting styles, parental conflict, and child development, I created a survey that was distributed to 78 college students who are 18-26 years old. Results showed that authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles were significantly and negatively related to different aspects of individuals’ development including mental health, personality, belonging, and life satisfaction. We also looked at the differences between Chinese and American participants and found that Chinese participants reported more experience of permissive and uninvolved parenting styles compared to American participants. It was also found that participants who have witnessed more parental conflict were more likely to report negative memories. The study highlights the importance of parenting, and one’s experience with parental conflict has an impact on their personal life.

Advisor

Clayton, Susan

Department

Psychology

Disciplines

Child Psychology | Cognition and Perception | Developmental Psychology | Educational Psychology | Health Psychology | Multicultural Psychology | Personality and Social Contexts

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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