Emerging adult psychological problems and parenting style: Moderation by parent-child relationship quality

Abstract

Current research supports a relationship between parenting style and children's mental health, yet this has been understudied in emerging adults. Moreover, even less research has included the role of parent-child relationship quality on these existing relationships, which has been demonstrated to be an important moderator. Thus, the current study examined the moderating effect of parent-child relationship quality on parenting style and emerging adult internalizing and externalizing problems. It was expected that higher parent-child relationship quality would buffer against negative effects of less adaptive parenting styles on emerging adult psychological problems. Participants included 2732 emerging adults attending college who reported on their own psychological problems, perceived parenting style, and parent-child relationship quality for both mothers and fathers. Results indicated that the lowest rates of emerging adult internalizing and externalizing problems were associated with higher parent-child relationship quality in same-sex parent-child dyads within the context of authoritative parenting. Higher quality father-daughter relationship was protective against the negative effects of permissive parenting style as evidenced by lower reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results emphasize the continuing influence of parenting style and parent-child relationship quality on emerging adult mental health, particularly for daughters.