Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms ‎Among Higher Secondary Students

  • Authors

    • Snehanshu Dey Department of Psychiatry IMS and SUM Hospital (SOA deemed to be University)‎ , Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • lagnajit Dash Department of Psychiatry IMS and SUM Hospital (SOA deemed to be University)‎ , Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • Jamuna Das Department of Psychiatry IMS and SUM Hospital (SOA deemed to be University)‎ , Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    • Kirti Anurag Department of Psychiatry IMS and SUM Hospital (SOA deemed to be University)‎ , Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
    https://doi.org/10.14419/tqwebr90

    Received date: July 2, 2025

    Accepted date: July 2, 2025

    Published date: July 6, 2025

  • Parenting Style; Anxiety; Depression; Adolescents; Authoritative Parenting; Permissive Parenting

  • Abstract

    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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  • How to Cite

    Dey, S., Dash, lagnajit, Das, J., & Anurag, K. (2025). Parenting Styles and Their Impact on Anxiety and Depression Symptoms ‎Among Higher Secondary Students. International Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 14(2), 627-633. https://doi.org/10.14419/tqwebr90