Memories of Adolescence: Can Perceptions of Social Supports be Predicted from Baumrind's Traditional Parenting Typologies?

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationships between parenting and adolescent social support, retrospectively. From a more complex point-of-view, the predictive nature of various social supports was examined in relation to Baumrind's traditional parenting typologies. It was hypothesized that authoritarian or neglectful parenting styles would predict low perceived social support and that authoritative parenting styles would predict higher levels of perceived social support. To obtain information pertaining to adolescent development, a sample of 73 first and second year university students completed two questionnaires (Parental Authority Questionnaire, The Social Support Scale for College Students) that required them to think back to their adolescent years (on average five years in the past). Results revealed multiple simple and complex associations. For example, adolescents with authoritative mothers and fathers are more likely to seek social support from family and other adults and adolescents whose fathers employed an authoritarian style possess low perceived social support. Results are discussed in terms of the links between various parenting styles and specific developmental outcomes. Furthermore, the application of the current findings to family functioning is explored.