Influence of Parenting Styles on Behavioural and Emotional Outcomes among University of Ghana Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Parents, to a large extent, determine the behavioural and emotional outcomes of their children. This study investigated the influence of parenting styles on behavioural and emotional outcomes (aggression and assertiveness) among University of Ghana undergraduate students. The study also examined gender differences in behavioural and emotional outcomes. One hundred and sixty (160) respondents were selected conveniently from the population to complete the Parenting Styles Inventory, Assertiveness Scale and the Aggressive Behaviour Questionnaire. The multivariate analysis of variance was used in data analysis. The findings indicated that authoritative parents nurtured more assertive and less aggressive students compared with authoritarian and permissive parents. Authoritarian parents also nurtured more aggressive students compared to permissive parents. There was however no significant difference in assertiveness between students with permissive and those with authoritarian parents. Gender was not a significant predictor of aggression and assertiveness. Generally, this study indicates that parents play a significant role in determining behaviour and emotional outcomes of their children.