Where authoritarianism is not always bad: Parenting styles and romantic relationship quality among emerging adults in Singapore

Abstract

The associations between perceived maternal parenting styles and emerging adults’ romantic relationship quality (commitment and compromise) were examined in the Singaporean context. Participants were 155 ethnic Chinese Singaporeans aged 18 to 25, who were in current romantic relationships that had lasted for at least one month prior to the study. Participants completed the locally-validated Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) that measured perceived authoritative and authoritarian parenting by mothers, along with the commitment subscale of the Relationship Experiences Questionnaire and the compromise subscale of the Conflict Resolution Behavior Questionnaire. Latent Profile Analysis showed that 107 individuals had authoritative mothers, while 48 had authoritarian mothers. Emerging adults with authoritative mothers tended to compromise more than those with authoritarian mothers, whereas those with authoritarian mothers reported greater commitment. Authoritativeness was related to greater compromise in romantic relationships, but less commitment towards a romantic partner. Authoritarianism was neither related to commitment nor compromise. The findings showed that parenting styles continued to play a role in romantic relationship quality in emerging adulthood. Furthermore, Baumrind’s parenting typology, particularly authoritative and authoritarian parenting, may have a different functional meaning in the Singaporean context.