Parenting Style and Adult Emotional Functioning

Saniah Kinsey

Co-Presenters: Individual Presentation

College: College of Liberal Arts

Major: MA.FORENSIC-PSY

Faculty Research Mentor: Christine Doyle  

Abstract:

AbstractThis study analyzes the relationship between parenting style, the quality of childhood upbringing, and adult emotional and behavioral functioning. Parenting style is an essential developmental factor that shapes emotional regulation, coping skills, and interpersonal behavior across one’s lifespan. Supported by existing research on authoritarian and permissive parenting, this study aims to understand how early caregiving patterns correlate to adult outcomes. It is hypothesized that individuals raised in supportive, structured, and nurturing environments will show healthier emotional regulation and positive behavioral patterns in adulthood compared to those raised in adverse, inconsistent, or neglectful environments. The null hypothesis states that there will be no significant relationship between parenting style and adult functioning. This study utilizes a quantitative survey structure and was given through an anonymous online Qualtrics questionnaire. Adult participants aged 18 and older responded to multiple-choice questions using disagree, neutral, and agree options to determine reported childhood parenting behaviors and current emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal functioning.