PARENTING STYLES AND ANXIETY AMONG ADULTS LIVING WITH THEIR PARENTS

Abstract

The prolonged co-residence of adult children with their parents has become an increasingly pronounced social and psychological phenomenon in contemporary society, influenced by economic, educational, and cultural factors. In this context, parenting styles gain particular importance as potential protective or risk factors for the mental health of young adults. Anxiety, as one of the most common psychological difficulties in early adulthood, can significantly hinder the process of becoming independent, decision-making, and the development of an autonomous identity. The aim of the study was to examine whether, and to what extent, different parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive), measured using the PSI-II, affect the level of anxiety among adults living with their parents, assessed through the anxiety subscale of the DASS. The study was conducted on a convenience cluster sample of 116 participants aged 18 to 30 years. Most participants lived with both parents and were active students or young employees, placing them in a sensitive developmental phase between dependence and the pursuit of independence.
The results confirmed the general hypothesis that parenting styles are significantly associated with anxiety levels. The authoritative parenting style showed a moderate negative correlation with anxiety (r = –0.42, p < .01), indicating that warm, supportive, and structured parental interaction represents a protective factor for the psychological well-being of young adults. In contrast, the authoritarian parenting style emerged as the strongest risk factor, demonstrating a moderately strong positive correlation with anxiety (r = +0.47, p < .01), suggesting that excessive control, rigid rules, and a lack of emotional support increase feelings of insecurity and psychological pressure among young adults. The permissive parenting style, although with a weaker effect, was also significantly positively associated with anxiety (r = +0.21, p < .05), indicating that the absence of clear boundaries and structure may contribute to increased emotional instability. Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that parenting styles jointly explained 41% of the variance in anxiety (R² = 0.41, p < .001), with the authoritarian style emerging as the strongest positive predictor and the authoritative style as the most significant protective factor. The high mean level of anxiety among participants (M = 27.95 on the DASS anxiety subscale) suggests that adults who continue to live with their parents represent a potentially at-risk group, particularly in the context of dysfunctional or inflexible family relationships. In conclusion, the findings confirm that the quality of parent–child interaction plays a crucial role in the psychological well-being of young adults. It is therefore recommended to promote parental psychoeducation, encourage the adoption of an authoritative parenting style, and develop counseling and psychological support programs aimed at assisting young adults in the processes of autonomy development and emotional regulation.