Parenting Styles, Attachment and Emotional Support as Determinants of Adjustment to College Life among Fresh Undergraduates

Abstract

Abstract: The study examined the relationship of parenting styles, attachment and emotional support with adjustment to college life among fresh undergraduates. The study employed a correlational design as a guide. Three hundred fresh undergraduates of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria -123 males; 177 females, who were selected through Stratified random sampling approach participated in the study. The Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ; α= .93); Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ; α= .92); Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ; α= .88); and Perceived Emotional Support Scale (PES; α= .89) were the instrument used for data collection. The data generated were statistically analysed with the aid of Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Multiple Regression Model. The statistical results showed that the three predictor variables jointly accounted for a total of 60% of the overall variance in adjustment to college life. Based on the contribution of each of the predictor variables, Authoritarianism and Permissiveness parenting styles, negatively and significantly predicted adjustment to college life. However, attachment styles, Authoritative parenting style and emotional support significantly and directly predicted adjustment to college life. Seeing the investigated variables had significant effect on college adjustment, it was recommended that university authorities and policy makers should design a program that will lessen the impact of negative parenting and improve secure attachment styles and emotional support among fresh undergraduates.