Parenting dimensions and adolescent perceptions at the root of adolescent behaviors

Abstract

The role of parents in the social and emotional development of their children was considered a given until research began to delve into its varied facets. Baumrind D., has described three types of parenting namely, authoritarian, authoritative and permissive which was further elaborated by Maccoby and Martin, who described the concepts of ‘Demandingness’ and ‘Responsiveness’. Demandingness alludes to ‘parental behavioral control’ while ‘responsiveness’ corresponds to the dimension of ‘parental warmth and supportiveness’. How adolescents perceive these practices, the understanding of adolescents in terms of legitimacy of parents to enforce controlling behaviors and the influence of these practices on adolescent behaviors is the focus of this review. The review delves into the theoretical foundations as well as research evidence of how parenting dimensions and adolescent perceptions may influence adolescent behaviors.