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The Effects of Parenting Styles and Parental Conflict on Child Development

Head shot of Cloud Chang

Name: Cloud Chang
Major: Psychology
Advisors: Susan Clayton, Amber Garcia

The current study examines the effects of parenting style and parental conflict on child development with regard to their mental health, personality, and belonging. Research on different types of parenting styles, defined by Baumrind (1967, 1978), parental conflict, and their relations to adolescents’ school performance, mental health, and their satisfaction and self-identity was explored in this paper. To investigate the relationship between parenting styles, parental conflict, and child development, I created a survey that was distributed to 78 college students who are 18-26 years old. Results showed that authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles were significantly and negatively related to different aspects of individuals’ development including mental health, personality, belonging, and life satisfaction. We also looked at the differences between Chinese and American participants and found that Chinese participants reported more experience of permissive and uninvolved parenting styles compared to American participants. It was also found that participants who have witnessed more parental conflict were more likely to report negative memories. The study highlights the importance of parenting, and one’s experience with parental conflict has an impact on their personal life.

Posted in Comments Enabled, Independent Study, Symposium 2023 on April 13, 2023.


One response to “The Effects of Parenting Styles and Parental Conflict on Child Development”

  1. Bryan Karazsia says:

    Dear Cloud – Congratulations! I look forward to seeing how you continue to impact this field as you continue your development as a scholar and practitioner!

    Enjoy symposium day!