Perceived Parenting Styles on Locus of Control and Coping Strategies among Young Adults

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationships between different types of perceived parenting styles with locus of control, and coping strategies among young adults. Data was collected from 235 participants, who were from different states of India including 155 females and 85 males, who were aged between 18 and 30 years. The tools used for the study were the Perceived Parenting Style Scale, Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, and Brief-Cope. The major findings of the study revealed significant correlations between authoritative parenting style and internal locus of control, as well as between authoritative parenting style and problem-focused coping strategy. Conversely, authoritarian parenting style was significantly negatively correlated with problem-focused coping strategy, and significantly correlated with avoidant coping strategy. Additionally, permissive parenting style was found to be significantly correlated with avoidant coping strategy. These findings suggest that perceived parenting styles play a significant role in shaping young adults’ locus of control and coping strategies. Specifically, authoritative parenting style appears to be associated with a more internal locus of control and adaptive coping strategies, while authoritarian and permissive parenting styles are associated with a more external locus of control and maladaptive coping strategies. These findings highlight the importance of parenting style in influencing young adults’ cognitive and behavioral responses to stress.