The Effect of Parenting Styles on the Success of College Students

Abstract

In order to test the effects of parenting styles on college students, 126 students at Princeton University were asked to complete a survey that included demographic variables, the Student Attitudes and Perceptions Survey (SAPS) to determine parenting styles, and the Quality of Life Inventory (QOLI) to determine life satisfaction. Results indicate that college students who characterize their parents as authoritative had an easier time adjusting to college life and had better college experiences, had greater overall life satisfaction, were more socially confident, and were healthier psychologically. Those who characterized their parents as authoritarian had a more difficult time adjusting, were less socially competent, and generally more stressed about their lives. Surprisingly, results showed no relationship between parenting styles and academic achievement, and also found no relationship between parenting styles and number of extracurricular activities.