chapter 2

Literature review:
Parenting styles are classified into three distinct types: authoritarian, flexible, and permissive.

The flexible parenting style is characterized by a suitable level of expectations and high levels of

responsiveness. While flexible parents may hold high aspirations, they also offer their children

the support and opportunities necessary for success in their pursuits. The authoritarian parenting

style is defined by high expectations and demands from parents, coupled with minimal

responsiveness, as well as strict rules and discipline. The permissive parenting style is

characterized by low expectations and high levels of attentiveness (Baumrind, 1991). Permissive

parents are often very nurturing, but they provide minimal limits and regulations for their

children. These mothers do not expect their children to exhibit mature behavior, and they often

resemble friends more than parents. Children raised by indulgent, permissive parents may

struggle with self-regulation and identity due to the lack of rules, obligations, and expectations.

(Baumrind, 2005)

Psychological well-being encompasses an individual's emotional and psychological condition,

incorporating elements such as self-esteem, life satisfaction, emotional stability, and resilience

(Ryff, 1989). High psychological well-being is linked to favorable academic outcomes, including

enhanced motivation, engagement, and achievement.

Impact of Psychological Well-Being on Academic Performance

Students with elevated psychological well-being are more inclined to exhibit self-regulation,

motivation, and resilience, all of which enhance academic performance. As per a study

conducted by Diener et al. (2003), individuals with high levels of life satisfaction tend to excel in
academic settings, demonstrating greater perseverance and a more constructive attitude toward

challenges.

Self-Esteem and Motivation:

Elevated self-esteem, an essential aspect of psychological well-being, is positively associated

with academic achievement. Students who have confidence in their abilities are more inclined to

establish ambitious goals and strive to accomplish them, leading to improved academic

performance (Schunk, 1991).

Stress and Academic Performance:

Students with inadequate psychological well-being frequently encounter elevated stress levels,

which can adversely affect their academic performance (Misra & McKean, 2000).

Psychological well-being serves as a buffer against stress, enabling students to more effectively

handle academic pressures and challenges.

The Role of Academic Support Systems

Alongside parenting style and individual well-being, academic support systems significantly

influence students' academic performance. Support from family, peers, and university resources

can alleviate the impact of negative parenting or low psychological well-being. Students who

receive emotional and academic support are more capable of overcoming challenges and

achieving academic success (Tinto, 1993).

Impact of Parenting Style on Academic Performance

Parenting style significantly affects the academic success of children, and this influence

continues into the university years. Research has consistently shown that various parenting styles

authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive affect academic performance in different ways.

Authoritative Parenting and Academic Performance

Authoritative parenting, which combines warmth and control, positively influences academic

performance. This approach fosters independence while establishing high, yet attainable,

academic standards. Research indicates that students brought up by authoritative parents

typically demonstrate elevated levels of self-regulation, motivation, and problem-solving skills,

all of which are essential for academic achievement (Baumrind, 1966). Children of authoritative

parents are more likely to achieve higher academic success, benefiting from the emotional

support and structured environment these parents provide.

Authoritarian Parenting and Academic Performance

Conversely, authoritarian parenting, characterized by rigid rules and expectations along with

minimal emotional warmth, can adversely affect academic performance. This parenting style

often fosters an atmosphere characterized by high pressure and minimal emotional support.

Research shows that students from authoritarian households may experience low self-esteem,

decreased academic motivation, and inadequate stress management skills, which can result in

lower academic achievement (Lamborn et al. , 1991). These students frequently struggle to

cultivate independence and may exhibit reduced levels of intrinsic motivation, both of which are

essential for academic success.

Permissive Parenting and Academic Performance

Permissive parenting, characterized by leniency and insufficient discipline, may also have

detrimental effects on academic performance. While permissive parents frequently offer

emotional support, the absence of structure and defined boundaries can result in challenges

related to time management, academic concentration, and self-discipline. Research indicates that

university students brought up by permissive parents may exhibit a deficiency in the academic
motivation and self-discipline required for success in higher education (Baumrind, 1991).

Without the essential academic discipline, these students may struggle to manage the challenges

of university life and demonstrate lower academic performance.

Impact of Parenting Style on Academic Motivation and Engagement

Academic motivation is a crucial element affecting performance, and parenting styles can

significantly influence a student’s motivation. Authoritative parenting cultivates autonomy and

intrinsic motivation, thereby promoting academic engagement. In contrast, authoritarian and

permissive styles can impede intrinsic motivation by either exerting excessive control or

providing excessive leniency, resulting in disengagement or a lack of direction in academic

endeavors (Ryan & Deci, 2000).

Parenting Style as a Predictor of Long-Term Academic Success

The impact of parenting style on academic performance extends beyond childhood. The long-

term academic achievements of university students are frequently linked to the parenting style

they encountered during their early developmental years. Research indicates that students from

authoritative households generally perform better not only in terms of immediate academic

success but also in their capacity to adapt to challenges, establish academic goals, and persevere

in the face of adversity (Spera, 2005).

Parenting style plays a crucial role in shaping the psychological well-being of individuals,

yielding enduring impacts on emotional development, mental health, and overall well-being.

Different parenting styles authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive impact children's emotional

regulation, self-esteem, resilience, and psychological well-being.

Authoritative Parenting and Psychological Well-Being

Authoritative parenting, marked by warmth, responsiveness, and suitable control, is typically

linked to favorable psychological outcomes. Research indicates that children raised by

authoritative parents typically exhibit higher levels of self-esteem, emotional regulation, and

resilience. These children are more prone to developing a positive self-image and demonstrating

lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress (Baumrind, 1991). Authoritative parenting creates

a supportive atmosphere that encourages children to articulate their feelings and thoughts,

facilitating healthy emotional development. Moreover, the balance of freedom and structure

enables children to cultivate a robust sense of autonomy while maintaining emotional security.

Authoritarian Parenting and Psychological Well-Being

Conversely, authoritarian parenting, characterized by high control and low warmth, can

negatively impact psychological well-being. Research indicates that children raised by

authoritarian parents are at a greater risk of encountering emotional challenges, such as anxiety,

low self-esteem, and depression. The absence of emotional warmth and the presence of rigid

expectations can result in feelings of inadequacy and helplessness. These children may

experience difficulties with emotional regulation and are at a higher risk of internalizing negative

emotions, potentially affecting their mental health in the long term (Lamborn et al. , 1991). The

strict, controlling nature of authoritarian parenting may lead to decreased self-confidence and a

diminished sense of self-worth.

Permissive Parenting and Psychological Well-Being

Permissive parenting, marked by leniency, indulgence, and a lack of structure, can similarly

produce adverse effects on psychological well-being. While permissive parents typically offer

emotional warmth and support, the lack of boundaries and rules may result in emotional
instability and challenges with self-regulation. Children raised in permissive households may

experience difficulties with impulse control, responsibility, and emotional resilience, leading to

increased feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. These children may also experience lower self-

esteem stemming from inconsistent guidance and a lack of structure in their lives (Baumrind,

1991). Research indicates that permissive parenting may lead to challenges in stress coping, as

children are not sufficiently equipped to confront life's difficulties.

Parenting Style and Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is essential for psychological well-being, and parenting style significantly

influences a child's capacity to manage emotions. Authoritative parenting fosters emotional

regulation by creating a supportive environment that encourages children to express and

comprehend their emotions. In contrast, authoritarian and permissive styles may hinder the

development of emotional regulation. Authoritarian parenting, characterized by strict discipline

and minimal emotional support, can hinder children's ability to process emotions, whereas

permissive parenting, lacking clear boundaries, may not equip children with the skills to

effectively regulate their emotions (Gross & John, 2003).

Self-Esteem and Parenting Style

Self-esteem plays a vital role in psychological well-being, and the parenting style directly

impacts its development. Authoritative parenting, characterized by its supportive and

encouraging approach, enhances positive self-esteem by cultivating a sense of competence,

autonomy, and belonging. Children from authoritative households typically possess greater self-

esteem and are more inclined to participate in constructive, positive self-reflection. Conversely,

authoritarian and permissive parenting styles may result in diminished self-esteem. Authoritarian

parenting can lead to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, whereas permissive parenting
may lack the structure and guidance necessary for children to develop a sense of competence and

capability (Cohen & Diamond, 2000).

Parenting Style and Mental Health

The parenting style also affects mental health outcomes in both the short and long term. Children

brought up in authoritative households tend to experience better mental health, demonstrating

reduced levels of anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. These children often exhibit more

robust coping strategies and healthier relationships, which enhance their mental well-being. In

contrast, children raised in authoritarian households are at a higher risk for mental health issues

such as depression and anxiety, whereas children from permissive households may experience

behavioral problems and challenges in social relationships (Steinberg, 2001).

The Role of Parental Warmth and Support

Parental warmth and support play vital roles in fostering psychological well-being. Authoritative

parents offer warmth and emotional support while upholding appropriate expectations and

boundaries. This balance fosters a sense of security, value, and love in children, thereby

enhancing their psychological well-being. Conversely, the absence of warmth and emotional

support in authoritarian parenting may result in feelings of neglect and insecurity. While

permissive parents provide emotional support, the absence of structure can result in confusion

and instability for children, impacting their overall well-being.

Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles and Psychological Well-Being

Cultural factors significantly influence the connection between parenting style and psychological

well-being. In certain cultures, authoritarian parenting may be regarded as an acceptable or even

essential method, and children raised in these contexts may experience fewer negative effects

compared to those in cultures where authoritative parenting is the standard. Cultural attitudes
regarding discipline, independence, and emotional expression can shape children's perceptions of

their parents' behavior and its impact on their psychological well-being. Recognizing these

cultural differences is essential for interpreting the impact of various parenting styles on

psychological outcomes (Chao, 1994).

2.1 Rationale of the Study

Communication pattern is an important factor that determines psychological health and

academic achievement among university students and therefore requires research focus. Stress

is inevitable when it comes to learning and studying and consequently students’ psychological

health must be appropriately protected or otherwise negatively influenced by the various

forms of parenting. However, educational attainment is an essential variable in achievement,

and it depends on the emotions and behaviors that parents offer. Studying such patterns can be

very helpful in identifying different conditions which may facilitate/encourage more

beneficial development and accomplishment. Also, there is an opportunity to analyze gender

differences in these variables in order to deliver interventions suitable for male and female

students and, therefore, meet all their developmental needs.

2.2 Objectives of the Study

● To find out the relationship between parenting style, psychological well-being and

academic performance among university students.

● To see gender differences in parenting style, psychological well-being and academic

performance among university students.

2.3 Hypotheses

● There is likely to be a relationship of parenting style, psychological well-being and

academic performance among university students.

● There is a gender difference in parenting style, psychological well-being and academic

performance among university students.