Association Between Perceived Parenting Styles and Emotional and Behavioural Problems Among Adolescent Students in Nairobi County.

Abstract

Introduction: Becoming an independent adult who can sufficiently rely on him/herself without the support of parents during the adolescent transition when dynamic, broad and influential changes occur in human development has sweeping effects on the adolescents. Studies indicate that adolescents’ challenges range from seeking approval and conformity from friends who influence their behaviour the most at this stage (fidelity) to seeking identity and freedom from their parents. The challenges are experienced by most if not all adolescents, especially where factors such as family, neighbourhood or society are risks for negative emotional and behavioural outcomes and hence the importance of parenting at this stage. This study set out to assess the role of parenting and its impact on the behavioural and emotional concerns among adolescents. Method: A cross sectional study design was adopted, convenient sampling method was used to select the schools, random sampling of the streams to get the participants in Nairobi County (Kenya). Self-report questionnaires were used: Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) measured Perceived parenting styles and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) measured development of emotional and behavioural problems in a total population of 306 adolescent students. Data Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 and presentation of data was done by use of frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts. Results: The most prevalent parenting style was authoritative parenting style (60.6%) with a mean of 35.3 (SD 7.2), followed by authoritarian (48.3%) with a mean of 33.4 (SD 6.8) and least permissive parenting style (5.5%) with a mean of 23.9 (SD 6.1). The most

prevalent emotional and behavioral problem was conduct problems (18.3%), Emotional problems were (12.9%), Hyperactivity 2.37%, peer problems 10.5% hence a total difficulty of 9.7% hence impact score of 43.7% as much as prosocial was 3.7%. Participants with authoritarian parents had significantly higher levels of total difficulties (p=0.044), authoritative parenting style had significantly low levels of total difficulties (p=0.000) and no significance for permissive parenting style. Socio demographics significantly associated were self-employed (p=0.024) with lower levels of difficulties and widowed or divorced (others) parents to respondents had significantly higher levels of total difficulties as compared to those who were married (p=0.001). Participants with authoritarian parents had significantly higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems. Those with authoritative parenting style had significantly lower levels of behavioral and emotional problems. Data Analysis: Data was analysed using SPSS version 23 and presentation of data was done by use of frequency tables, bar charts, and description. Conclusion: This study suggests that participants with authoritarian parents had significantly higher levels of behavioral and emotional problems while participants with authoritative parenting style had significantly lower levels. Parenting styles as key indicators for emotional and behavioural problems hence an area to be explored further. The study then guides future research especially in areas of better parenting styles in a way to minimize the emotional and behavioural problems through parenting training in schools and families.