Perceived Maternal Acceptance-Rejection as a Predictor of Emotional Intelligence in Adolescence

Abstract

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in the psychological development of adolescents, influencing their social behaviors and academic achievements. Previous research has established a connection between parenting styles, particularly maternal acceptance or rejection, and the development of EI in children. The warmth and support provided by a mother are essential elements that contribute significantly to the nurturing of EI during adolescence. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of perceived maternal acceptance-rejection on the emotional intelligence of adolescents in Karachi, Pakistan, contributing to the existing body of knowledge by focusing on a non-Western context. Methods: The study was approved by relevant institutional review boards and adhered to ethical standards. A total of 600 adolescents, aged 13-17 years, were selected from various schools in Karachi, maintaining an equal distribution between genders. Participants were assessed using the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) Child Form for mothers and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Adolescent Short Form (TEIQ-ASF). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0, with linear regression analysis employed to examine the relationship between perceived maternal acceptance-rejection and EI. Results: The internal consistency of the scales was confirmed, with Cronbach's alpha values of .91 for the PARQ and .84 for the TEIQ-ASF. Linear regression analysis revealed a significant predictive relationship between perceived maternal acceptance-rejection and emotional intelligence (R = .213, R² = .045, F = 28.506, p < .05). Specifically, maternal rejection was negatively associated with the EI scores of adolescents, indicating that higher levels of perceived rejection correlated with lower levels of EI. Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of maternal acceptance in the development of emotional intelligence among adolescents. These results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing maternal acceptance could potentially foster the development of EI, thereby contributing positively to the psychological well-being and social functioning of adolescents.