The Role of Parenting Styles in Shaping Family Health Behaviors: Young Adult’s Perspectives

Abstract

The influence of parenting styles on the development of family health behaviors is a topic of increasing interest in contemporary research. Parenting styles, characterized as authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful, play a significant role in shaping the health habits and attitudes of children and, consequently, the overall well-being of the family unit. This study explored the role of parenting styles in shaping family health behaviors among young adults. A qualitative approach was used, with data collected from 40 young adults from Mangalore through in-depth interview. Participants’ reflections on their upbringing, family dynamics, young adults’ current health behaviors and their perceptions of how their parents’ parenting styles influenced their health behaviors are analyzed in-depth. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that young adults’ perceptions of their parents’ parenting styles were associated with their own health behaviors. The findings of this study suggest that parenting styles can have a significant impact on young adults’ health behaviors. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions and educational programs that empower parents to adopt effective, health-promoting parenting styles. Ultimately, this research contributes to a holistic understanding of the complex dynamics within families and their impact on the promotion of healthy behaviors among adolescents.