Effect of Negative Parenting Dimensions on Adolescent’s Psychological Wellbeing: The Moderating Role of Age

Abstract

Background. Adolescence psychological wellbeing is affected by several factors but the most
important are parenting practices perceived by them. The parenting practices in the form of
dimensions especially negative undermine their psychological wellbeing as a result they feel less
competent and this hinders the ideal ways to reach the level of optimal functioning. This study was
carried out to examine the effect of negative parenting dimensions on adolescents’ psychological
wellbeing. It is hypothesized that negative parenting dimensions (poor monitoring, inconsistent
discipline, and use of corporal punishment) negatively correlate with the adolescents’
psychological wellbeing. The moderating role of age was also explored.
Method. A sample of 400 adolescents aged 13-19 years (M = 15.98, SD = 1.90) comprising 50%
boys and 50% girls approached from educational institutions of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, and the
willing participants completed the questionnaires. The study variables were measured by the
Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (Frick, 1991) and the Ryff Scale of Psychological Wellbeing
(Ansari, 2010). The convenient sampling technique was used to gather the data.
Result. The results of the study showed that negative parenting dimensions have significant
negative relationship with the adolescents’ psychological wellbeing (r = -0.35, p < .001). The
moderation analysis revealed that there is a significant negative moderating role of age in the
relationship of negative parenting dimensions and adolescent’s psychological wellbeing (β=.44**,
p<.01, ΔR2 = 0.173).
Conclusion. It is concluded that when individuals have a restrictive and controlled environment,
it may hinder personal growth, individuals feel less competent and psychologically disturbed. The
findings of the study can help educate the parents to use more productive and positive parenting
practices. It is recommended that different intervention strategies can be planned to educate the
parent and adolescent and how they make a strong relationship among them.