Associations Between Different Parenting Styles And Long-Term Well-Being Among Growing Children

Abstract

Background: Parenting styles such as authoritative, authoritarian and permissive versus negligent are influential in determining the future well-being of children. The styles do not only affect the immediate behavior but also affect the future health; physical, emotionally and socially.

Objective: To test the relationships among various parenting styles and the physical, emotional and social well being of growing children in the long run.

Methodology: They have carried out a descriptive analytical research of 320 parents and children aged between 6-16 years. Parenting style questionnaires and scales of child well-being were taken to gather data. Correlation and regression statistical tests were done to assess relationships.

Findings: Findings showed that 49% of the parents engaged in authoritative parenting which was strongly correlated with a high well-being level (82%), and lower behavioural problems (14%). Authoritarian and neglectful styles on the contrary were associated with more emotional and behavioral issues (up to 48%). Parenting style and the well-being of children over the long term were found to be significantly related (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Parenting styles have great impact on the child well-being in the long-run. Authoritative parenting as a means of improving the quality of life and general development of children can be promoted by educating them on the subject and providing support programs.