Examining Fear of Negative Evaluation and Perceived Parenting Style Among College Students

Abstract

The present study tried to investigate the association of fear of negative evaluation (FNE) and perceived parenting styles—authoritarianism, authoritativeness, and permissiveness—of college students, and possible gender differences regarding these factors. 150 college students (75 males and 75 females) were chosen through convenient sampling. Standardized self-report and measures for each understood fear of negative evaluation and perceived parenting styles. Data processed was descriptive, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Spearman's rank-order. Results revealed that authoritarian parenting had a significant high correlation with fear of negative evaluation, which was also a slightly negative correlation with perceived authoritative parenting. Authoritative parenting was the most reported style, revealing that most students went through an upbringing full of support and structure. Interestingly, in terms of gender, no significant differences were discovered in fear of negative evaluation or perceiving parenting styles. The implication is that parenting, especially authoritarianism, can significantly affect arising fears in the social outcome of emerging adults.