The Effects of Authoritarian Parenting

According to developmental psychologists, the environment in which a child grows up has a tremendous impact on their emotions, behaviors, and personalities as adults. Researchers have paid close attention to the effects of different parenting styles on development, including the type of parenting deemed authoritarian. Under authoritarian parenting, parents establish strict rules that children must follow at all times. If a child fails to follow the rules, he or she generally faces punishment. Many authoritarian parents refuse to open a dialogue with their children and expect only obedience from them. Although the label of authoritarian parenting does not tell the entire developmental story of an individual who comes from such a household, many of these children share certain characteristics. Children of authoritarian parents are often obedient, disciplined, and competent. However, they score lower in terms of self-esteem and happiness. Because these children simply do what their parents tell them to do instead of thinking for themselves, they often struggle to maintain healthy social relationships and make proactive choices in their adult lives.