Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms Among Higher Secondary Students
About this article
Keywords:
Parenting Style; Anxiety; Depression; Adolescents; Authoritative Parenting; Permissive ParentingAbstract
Background: Parenting styles play a critical role in shaping adolescent mental health. Authoritative parenting is generally associated with positive psychological outcomes, while authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful styles are often linked to increased emotional distress. Amid growing academic and social pressures, understanding how parenting approaches impact higher secondary students is essential for effective mental health support.
Objectives: This study examined the relationship between parenting styles and levels of anxiety and depression among higher secondary school students.
Methods: A total of 72 Odia-medium students (48 boys, 24 girls) from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri in Odisha participated. All were from middle socio-economic backgrounds. Parenting styles were assessed using the Parenting Style Questionnaire, while anxiety and depression were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, post-hoc comparisons, and chi-square tests.
Results: Significant differences in anxiety [F(2, 71) = 9.41, p < .001] and depression [F(2, 71) = 9.08, p < .001] were found across parenting styles. Permissive parenting was associated with the highest levels of anxiety and depression, while authoritative parenting showed the lowest. Chi-square analyses confirmed strong associations between parenting style and severity of both conditions.
Conclusion: Authoritative parenting may protect adolescents from anxiety and depression, highlighting the importance of fostering supportive parenting practices.
Key Highlights:
- A significant association was found between parenting style and adolescent mental
- Authoritative parenting is linked to lower anxiety and depression levels.
- Permissive parenting correlated with the highest mental health risks.
- Strong statistical relationships confirmed through ANOVA and chi-square analysis.
- Implications for parental guidance and adolescent support programs.
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