The relationship between parenting styles and parent–child relationships

Abstract

The article explores the relationship between parenting styles and the characteristics of parent–child relationships within the context of contemporary sociopsychological realities. It emphasizes that modern society requires parents to demonstrate flexibility, emotional maturity, and the ability to combine love, discipline, freedom, and responsibility. Theoretical foundations of the concept of “parenting style” are examined as a system of stable forms of interaction between parents and children that influence emotional, social, and cognitive development. A comparative analysis of the main parenting styles—authoritarian, permissive, authoritative (democratic), and neglectful—is provided. Their impact on the formation of attachment, self-esteem, social skills, academic achievement, and emotional intelligence in children and adolescents is discussed. The democratic style is identified as the most effective, as it combines high expectations with emotional support and open dialogue. The authoritarian style is associated with excessive control and low empathy, leading to the development of insecurity, dependency, or oppositional behavior. In contrast, permissive and indifferent styles contribute to poor self-regulation, impulsivity, and low responsibility in children.
The article presents the results of an empirical study conducted among parents using I. Markovska’s Parenting Relationship Questionnaire (PRQ), which revealed the predominance of the democratic style, characterized by moderate control, emotional closeness, and cooperation in interaction with children. However, a significant number of respondents demonstrated tendencies toward authoritarian or indifferent styles, which negatively affect adolescents’ psychological wellbeing, particularly their self-esteem, sociability, and emotional stability.
It is emphasized that the choice of parenting style is determined by adults’ personal characteristics, life experience, social environment, and the child’s age-related features. The author highlights the need for developing a conscious parental stance, enhancing emotional competence, and applying an individualized approach to upbringing. Harmonious parent–child relationships are viewed as a key condition for the development of a psychologically healthy, socially active, and responsible individual capable of constructive interaction with others.