An Effect of Parenting Style on Social Maturity among Secondary School Students

Abstract

Parenting styles are pivotal in shaping adolescents' social maturity, which encompasses interpersonal skills, responsibility, and social adaptability. This study examined the relationship between parenting style dimensions and social maturity among 300 secondary school students from Meerut and Ghaziabad. Using standardized Parenting Style and Social Maturity scales, results revealed moderate parental tendencies across dimensions and above-average social maturity in students. Pearson correlation analysis indicated generally weak but positive associations between adaptive parenting dimensions—such as realistic expectations, balanced freedom and discipline, and marital adjustment—and students' personal, interpersonal, and social adequacy. Conversely, parental rejection showed weak negative correlations with social maturity. Findings suggest that though parenting styles moderately influence social maturity, the multifaceted nature of adolescent development calls for further research, particularly considering cultural contexts and evolving parenting patterns in India. This study addresses gaps in India-specific research and highlights the nuanced role of parenting in adolescent social development.