Adolescents’ Psychological Well-Being and Perceived Parental Involvement: Implications for Parental Involvement in Middle Schools

Abstract

Adolescence is a critical period of development. Previous research suggests parent involvement in school directly impacts student success. However, different types of parental involvement and the efforts of middle school personnel to educate parents about these effective practices have received scant attention in the literature. The level and type of parental involvement, as perceived by adolescents, is correlated with adolescent psychological wellbeing. Perceived parental involvement positively or negatively affects adolescents’ sense of psychological well-being, especially self-esteem, self-evaluation, and peer relationships. Parenting style greatly influences children’s development as well. The authoritative/democratic parenting style influences middle school children, leading to positive developmental outcomes, positive adolescent selfevaluations, higher levels of adolescent self-esteem and adjustment, while also positively influencing levels of intrinsic motivation for learning. This article reviews research related to (a) adolescents’ perceptions of parental involvement, (b) the parenting style related to higher levels of psychological wellbeing, and (c) the impact of assorted parenting styles on adolescent psychological well-being. It concludes with implications for middle school systems, middle school counselors, families, parents, and community members.