Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the role of parenting styles in instilling adolescents’ pro-social behavior among secondary and preparatory school students. Two adapted instruments, i.e. the Pro-social Tendencies Measure (Eisenberg et al., 1995, Rushton et al., 1981) and Parental Authority Questionnaire (Buri, 1988) were used. The researchers hypothesized that, perceived Authoritative parenting significantly predicts adolescents’ pro-social behavior higher than those who perceive their parents relied primarily on Authoritarian, Permissive, or Neglectful Parenting‘s, and there is gender difference in pro-social behavior among adolescent students. Adapted Parental authority questionnaires and pro-social tendencies measure were distributed to 392 adolescent students. The study was employed Correlational research design. The data analysis used statistical techniques like bivariate correlation, regression analysis and independent samples t-test. The significant relationship were found between the permissive as well as the authoritative parenting style and the level of adolescents pro-social behavior development, (P<0.05) at a (.048) and (P<0.05) at a (.049) level of significance respectively. Regression analysis was performed and the hypothesis was rejected because permissive parenting style was found to have a more powerful impact on development of adolescents pro-social behavior with (β =.132, p<.05). There was no statistically significant gender difference in overall pro-social behavior t<sub>(390)</sub> =.296, p =.767. However, there was significant mean difference between male and female adolescent students only in altruism sub-type of pro-social behavior t<sub> (308.128)</sub> = 1.541, p =.017 (two-tailed); female adolescents were scored higher on mean score of altruism pro-social behavior than male adolescents. Important implications of the results were discussed and recommendations are also forwarded.
Highlights
IntroductionAdolescence is a period of experiencing an exciting and dynamic change
The result of this study showed that, the only statistically significant gender difference was found in the altruism pro-social behavior t (308.128) = 1.541, p =.017 between male and female adolescent students
Based on the findings indicated above, the researcher draws the following conclusions, and their corresponding implications: The result of the present study revealed that there was a significant relationship between the permissive and authoritative parenting style and the development of pro-social behavior in the adolescents
Summary
Adolescence is a period of experiencing an exciting and dynamic change It is a time of growing up, moving from the immaturity of childhood (physical, cognitive/thinking social etc.) to the maturity of adulthood. As adolescents are faced with changes in their bodies and cognitive development, they are consistently renegotiating their relationship with family, friends, school and community. Their view of the world expands, and a new orientation to their future as productive independent adults emerges [14]. While these changes and views occur, there is a tendency of adolescents to engage in anti or pro-social behaviors. Researchers believe that their relationship with parents significantly influence on creating preferable behavior in adolescents [16]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
