To Study the relationship between Parenting Style, Emotional Intelligence and Perceived Stress among Young Adults

Abstract

Parenting is a foundational influence in shaping an individual's emotional, psychological, and social functioning. The style in which parents interact with and guide their children has long-lasting effects on emotional development, particularly in areas such as emotional intelligence and the ability to manage stress. Emotional intelligence (EI) refers to the capacity to identify, understand, and regulate one's own emotions while effectively responding to the emotions of others skills essential for adaptive functioning and stress management. Although stress is an inevitable part of life, individuals differ in how they perceive and cope with it, often shaped by early familial experiences. This study examines the relationship between perceived parenting styles, emotional intelligence, and perceived stress in young adults. A sample of 60 young adults, aged 18 to 25, was assessed using standardised psychological instruments. Employing a quantitative research design, the study explores how distinct parenting approaches; authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive; correlate with levels of emotional intelligence and perceived stress. Results reveal that individuals who identified their upbringing as authoritative, characterised by warmth, responsiveness, and clear boundaries, demonstrated higher emotional intelligence and lower perceived stress. Conversely, those who experienced authoritarian or permissive parenting reported lower emotional intelligence and higher stress levels. These findings highlight the enduring impact of parenting on emotional resilience and stress regulation, offering valuable implications for psychological support and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing mental well-being in early adulthood.