The relationship between parenting styles and social competence amongst adolescents

Abstract

Individual and environmental factors are reported to be determinants in social functioning and integration. Current literature on parenting styles recognises the significant impact of parenting on childhood development and its influence on adolescent’s social competence (Dekovic, et al., 2002; Anthony, et al., 2005; Barbarin & Richter, 1999; Barblett & Maloney, 2010; Bradley & Corwyn, 2002; Fantuzzo & McWayne, 2002; Huit & Dawson, 2011; Pillay, 2013; Repetti, et al., 2002). According to attachment theory, initial social functioning involves the continuous reciprocal relationship between an individual and his/her primary caregivers. Children use this relationship as a foundation on which to base their future relationships. Therefore, a strong and secure foundation with a primary caregiver encourages healthy and stable relationships throughout an individual’s life span (Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Blakely & Dziadosz, 2015; Groh, et al., 2014). However, research investigating the relationship between parenting styles and social competence in South African adolescents is limited (Barbarin & Richter, 1999; Pillay, 2013; Roman., et al. 2016). Thus this study investigated this relationship by administering questionnaires to a sample of 90 students aged between 12 and 14 years old, from a mainstream public school in Johannesburg. The design was quantitative and Pearson correlation analyses were used to analyse the results. No significant relationships between parenting styles and social competence in a sample of adolescents was found.