Parenting Dimensions and Adolescent Socio-Emotional Health: A Path Analysis Mediated by Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction

Abstract

The current study examined the predictive value of parent dimensions, both ‘positive’ (e.g., warmth, involvement, encouragement of autonomy) and ‘negative’ (e.g., psychological control, harsh discipline), on parents’ and young people’s perceptions of adolescents' mental health and well-being, including socio-emotional health outcomes. A cross-sectional design was used with a diverse sample of adolescents and their parents. Dependent variables were measured in terms of overall difficulties and prosocial behaviour. Using regression analyses and structural equation modelling analyses we found that, overall, aspects of ‘positive’ parenting reliably predicted lower levels of difficulties and higher levels of prosocial behaviour. High levels of negative dimensions were consistently hazardous with respect to adolescents’ levels of emotional and behavioural problems. In particular, when compared to adolescents, mothers' and fathers' perceptions differed substantially, illustrating the subjective nature of an individual's experience. The present study confirmed the value of positive parenting dimensions in improving the psychological well-being of adolescents. Furthermore, the study recommends integrating parenting programs that are culturally sensitive to the development of emotional support, whilst reducing, controlling behaviour. Limitations include reliance on self-report measures and that this sample may be culturally specific, therefore broadening this area of research is warranted.