A Quantitative Study on the Role of Parenting Styles in Emotion Regulation and Learned Helplessness Among Young Adults

Abstract

This quantitative study investigates the connections between parenting styles, learned helplessness (LH), and emotion regulation (ER) among young adults aged 18-25. Drawing on a diverse participant pool, this research contributes insights into the role of parenting in shaping crucial facets of psychological well-being. Three predominant parenting styles— authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative—were assessed in relation to LH and ER. The findings reveal that authoritative parenting emerged as a pivotal factor, while authoritarian and permissive parenting styles demonstrated no substantial associations with LH or ER.Young adults raised in authoritative environments displayed a statistically significant negative correlation with LH. This suggests that authoritative parenting, characterized by warmth and appropriate control, may protect against the development of learned helplessness behaviors. Moreover, authoritative parenting exhibited a significant positive relationship with ER, indicating that those exposed to this parenting style tend to possess superior emotion regulation skills, underscoring the role of nurturing and supportive family environments, where young adults receive emotional warmth and reasonable boundaries. This study advances knowledge of how parenting styles can shape emotional well-being and psychological resilience. The findings highlight the significance of authoritative parenting practices and lay the foundation for future investigations considering cultural variations and other contextual factors, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between parenting styles and young adult psychological well-being.