Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Parenting style has been found to significantly impact the self-esteem of children. This study aims to examine the influence of different parenting styles on the self-esteem of children. The research will utilize a sample of parents and their children to investigate the relationship between parenting styles and self-esteem levels in children. The study will focus on three main parenting styles authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive. Through surveys and questionnaires, data will be collected on parenting practices, parental responsiveness, disciplinary methods, and the self-esteem levels of children. The analysis will involve comparing the self-esteem scores of children from different parenting styles to determine any significant correlations. It is hypothesized that children raised by authoritative parents, who are both nurturing and set clear boundaries, will have higher self-esteem levels compared to children raised by authoritarian or permissive parents. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature on parenting styles and child development. Understanding how parenting styles influence self-esteem can provide valuable insights for parents, educators, and mental health professionals. By identifying the most effective parenting practices for promoting healthy self-esteem in children, interventions and support programs can be tailored to enhance positive outcomes. Overall, this research seeks to shed light on the crucial role of parenting in shaping children's self-esteem. The results may have implications for parenting interventions, family counseling, and educational programs aimed at supporting children's emotional well-being. By exploring the relationship between parenting styles and self-esteem, this study aims to provide practical recommendations for fostering positive self-esteem in children for their overall development and mental health.

Thesis Overview

3.0Introduction

3.1Background of the Study

A parenting style is a psychological construct representing standard strategies that parents use in their child rearing. The quality of parenting is more essential than the quantity spent with the child. For instance a parent can spend the entire afternoon with his or her child but the parent may be engaging in a different activity and not demonstrating interest towards the child. Parenting styles are the representation of how parents respond to the demand of their children. Parenting practices are specific behaviours, while parenting styles represent broader patterns of parenting practices. There are many different theories and opinions on the best ways to rear children, as well as differing levels of time and effort that parents are willing to invest. Children go through different stages in life; therefore parents create their own parenting styles from a combination of factors that evolve overtime as children begin to develop their own personalities.

In sociology and psychology, self-esteem reflects a person’s overall subjective emotional evaluation of his or her own worth. It is a judgment of oneself as well as an attitude toward the self. Self-esteem encompasses beliefs for example, “I am competent”, “I am worthy” and emotions such as triumph, despair, pride and shame.

Smith and Mackie (2007) defined it by saying the self concept; it is what we think about the self; self-esteem, is the positive or negative of the self, as in how we feel about it” self-esteem is attractive as a social psychological construct because researchers have conceptualized it as an influential prediction of certain outcomes, such as academic achievement, happiness, satisfaction in marriage and relationship, and criminal behaviour.

Within Western Cultures, self-esteem consistently has been demonstrated to be directly related with parenting styles characterized by low levels of acceptance and high levels of over protection (i.e. affectionless control). Although in traditional collectivist cultures there may be a preference for this parenting style, within a strong collectivist framework. It is not thought to have a negative impact on self-esteem.

Self-esteem, defined as the extent to which an individual believes himself or herself to be capable, significant, successful and worthy (Coopersmith, 1981), consistently has been found to relate with psychological states and behaviours (Cramer, 1989; Dishivn, Patterson & Reid, 1988; Workman & Beer, 1989). The importance of self-esteem as a global indictor of psychological health has encouraged research into the influence of variables such as parenting on self-esteem development.

As noted by the Basic Behavioural Science Task Force of the National Advisory Mental Health Council (1996), the parent-child relationship represents the earliest and most enduring social relationship of the human life span. Accordingly, the quality of the parent-child relationship has been argued to have a significant impact on the competence, resilience and well-being of all individuals. (Basic Behavioural Science Task Force of the National Advisory Mental Health Council, 1996). Two fundamental aspects of parenting have been identified as important for children’s adjustment or maladjustment. The first of these has been identified as warmth, nurturance and acceptance or responsibility. This dimension has been shown to be bipolar. It has defined by parental affection, empathy and closeness on one pole and coldness, indifference and neglect on the other (Baumrind, 1968; Coopersmith, 1967). The second dimension has been defined by the amount and control, structure and involvement that caregivers display toward their children. This dimension has been differentiated in terms of effective, emphatic and developmentally appropriate management versus manipulative or punitivecare giving (Maccoby& Martin, 1983).

3.2Statement of the Problem

It has been discovered overtime that self-esteem has been consistently related with parenting styles characterized by relatively low levels of acceptance. This study will investigate the various known parenting styles and how it affects children and adolescents both positively and negatively.

3.3Objective of the Study

The following are the purposes of this study;

i.                    To identify various parenting styles adopted in Ugbowo Community.

ii.                  To investigate how these parenting styles affected self-esteem.

iii.                The study will also find out how parenting styles and self-esteem influences.

iv.                To find out the awareness of Ugbowo Community on parenting style.

3.4Research Questions

i.                    What is the level of awareness of Ugbowo Community on parenting style?

ii.                  What is the various adopted parenting style?

iii.                Does parenting style affect self-esteem?

iv.                Does parenting style affect academic performance?

3.5Scope of the Study

This research is limited to the influence of parenting style on self-esteem amongst adolescents in Ugbowo Community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. It has a population of 38, 462 people.

3.6Significance of the Study

The following are the importance of this study;

i.                    It will help to examine the relationship between parenting style and self-esteem in the development of the family and community.

ii.                  The study will also highlight how adolescent cope with mechanism of adjustment and modification.

iii.                The study also helps us to know the role of psychologists/sociologist in the development of a child/adolescent and the family as a whole.

iv.                The study will add to existing knowledge as the subject matter.

3.7Limitation of the Study

The following were constraints encountered with regards to the study:

i.                    Getting materials from the internet and other sources proved difficult.

ii.                  Unwillingness on the part of respondents to provide necessary information.

3.8Operational Definition of Terms

i.Influence:The power to affect, control or manipulate something or someone; the ability to change the development of fluctuating things such as conduct, thoughts or decisions.

ii.Parenting: Is the process of promoting and support the physical, emotional, social, financial and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Parenting refers to the aspects of raising a child aside from the biological relationship.

iii.Style: A manner of doing things, especially in a fashionable one.

iv.Self-Esteem: Is defined as the extent to which an individual believes himself or herself to be capable, significant, successful and worthy (Coopersmith, 1981).

v.Psychology:Is defined as the study of the human mind. It could also be the mental, emotional and behavioural characteristics pertaining to a specified person, group or activity.

vi.Social: It refers to a characteristic of living organism as applied to populations of humans and other animals.

vii.Attitude: In psychology, an attitude is an expression of favour or disfavour toward a person, place, thing or event (the attitude object). An attitude is an evaluation of an attitude object, ranging from extremely negative to extremely positive.

viii.Beliefs: Is the mental acceptance of a claim as truth regardless of supporting or contrary empirical evidence.