Main Article Content
Parenting style in a changing society and identity formation among Nigerian youths
Abstract
This study examined the extent to which dimensions of parenting style influence identity formation among the youths in a changing society such as Nigeria. 345 youths (15-24 year olds) who were randomly selected completed the questionnaire which measured parenting style and identity formation. 2x2x2 Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and t-test for independent measures were used to test the hypotheses for the study.
Findings reveal that identity formation is high with low parental demandingness, low autonomy and high parental responsiveness. Identity formation is low, with low parental demandingness, low autonomy and low responsiveness. Furthermore, youths in private schools scored higher on identity formation scale than youths in public schools. Conclusively, parental responsiveness and socioeconomic status were found to be key factors in identity formation of Nigerian youths. This has implication for parenting of youths and behavioural outcome. Policy makers and other stakeholders should focus more on families rather than individuals to promote parenting styles that enhance identity formation. Parents should support strategies that promote identity formation, such as providing opportunities to instill confidence and expectations that family members will do their best in difficult situations.
African Journal for Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol. 8(1) 2005: 154-171
Findings reveal that identity formation is high with low parental demandingness, low autonomy and high parental responsiveness. Identity formation is low, with low parental demandingness, low autonomy and low responsiveness. Furthermore, youths in private schools scored higher on identity formation scale than youths in public schools. Conclusively, parental responsiveness and socioeconomic status were found to be key factors in identity formation of Nigerian youths. This has implication for parenting of youths and behavioural outcome. Policy makers and other stakeholders should focus more on families rather than individuals to promote parenting styles that enhance identity formation. Parents should support strategies that promote identity formation, such as providing opportunities to instill confidence and expectations that family members will do their best in difficult situations.
African Journal for Psychological Study of Social Issues Vol. 8(1) 2005: 154-171
