Impact of Parenting Styles and Socioeconomic Status on the Mental Health of Children

Abstract

Background The relationship parents share with their children is unique and very important for their overall growth and development. Parenting is classified into the following four types: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. This study aimed to understand the relationship between socioeconomic status and parenting styles adopted by parents and compare various factors affecting the mental health status of children. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 480 students from four different schools in Valsad, Gujarat, India. The chief parenting style of both parents was determined, and the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) scores were calculated for the students. Data were analyzed and various tests of significance were performed. Results There was a highly significant association between various parenting styles adopted by both parents and the PSC score of children. Interparental consistency showed a lower score on the PSC scale. There was a moderate positive correlation between an authoritarian parent and the poor mental health status of the child. As age advanced, children were seen to experience more emotional and psychological troubles. The education of the mother had a significant association with the well-being of the child. However, there was no impact of socioeconomic status on parenting style and PSC score. Conclusions Poor parenting technique contributes to various psychological problems in children with advancing age. The involvement of healthcare facilities in this field at the earliest will ensure a better environment for the child to grow and learn.