The roles of adolescents' perceived parental attitudes and attachment styles in their self-perception: A structural equation modelling

Abstract

Objectives: Parental attitudes, and relations with parents and peers are of great importance in the developmental period of adolescence. This study was carried out to determine the roles of perceived parental attitudes and attachment styles in the self-perception of adolescents. Methods: The data were collected from 700 adolescents who were 13–18 years old, using the Parental Attitude Scale, the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment and the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. The research data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a structural equation model. Results: Correlation analysis found that the perceived parental attitudes and attachment styles of the adolescents had a significant effect on their self-development. The structural equation model indicated that, while the attachment styles of the adolescents had a significant effect on self-perception (β=0.79, p<0.05), perceived parental attitudes had no significant effect on self-perception (β=0.11, p>0.05). However, they did have a positive effect on the attachment styles of the adolescents (β=0.77, p<0.05). Conclusion: This study found that perceived parental attitudes and attachment styles had a significant effect on the self-development of the adolescents. In getting through the developmental process of adolescence, in fulfilling current and future adult responsibilities, and in reducing mental problems, relationships with parents based on trust and perceived democratic parental attitudes are healthier and more productive.