Parenting Styles And Their Association With Childhood Anxiety And Emotional Instability Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Parenting styles are very significant in determining the emotional growth and psychological well being of children. The parenting styles which include authoritative, authoritarian and permissive parenting styles have been associated with the varying anxiety and emotional stability levels in children. Objective: This paper seeks to investigate the relationships between childhood anxiety and emotional instability outcomes and various parenting styles. Methodology: Quantitative research design was used where 150 children aged 8-15 and their parents were used. Parenting styles were assessed using standardized questionnaires and emotional instability and anxiety using scales that are validated. Correlation and regression were used to analyze data. Findings: The findings indicated that parenting styles were important when predicting mental health outcomes. Authoritative parenting was linked with low levels of anxiety (r = -0.65) and emotional stability whereas authoritarian parenting was linked with positive relationship with high anxiety (r = 0.61) and emotional instability. Moderate relationships were evident with inconsistent emotional results in permissive parenting. Conclusion: The research finds that the parenting style plays a significant role in creating or determining anxiety and emotional stability in childhood. Encouraging equal and supportive parentage behaviors may lessen emotional challenges and lead to more health-friendly psychological growth.