Parental Attachment and Decision-Making Styles Among Adolescents in a Selected School of Meerut: A Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a crucial time of life, characterized by fast physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. During this time, teenagers begin to make crucial decisions about their schooling, relationships, health, and long-term ambitions. Several factors influence one's ability to make effective judgments, including maternal attachment. Parental attachment is the emotional link between parents and their children that is marked by trust, communication, and support. Adolescents benefit from secure parental attachment because it boosts their self-esteem, emotional stability, and decision-making abilities. In contrast, poor parental attachment can cause insecurity, reliance, impulsivity, and difficulty making sound judgments.

In today's world, increased academic expectations, shifting family dynamics, and social influences can all have an impact on parental attachment and teenage decision-making. Therefore, it is crucial to analyse these characteristics among adolescents. The current study was designed to investigate parental attachment and decision-making styles among teenagers at a selected Meerut school, as well as to provide information that parents, teachers, and counsellors can use to assist healthy adolescent development.

Objective: To assess parental attachment and decision-making styles among adolescents and determine their association with selected demographic variables.

Methods: A descriptive survey design was conducted among 100 adolescent students from a selected government school in Meerut. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The results indicated that in terms of parental attachment style, 39% of students exhibited an excellent level, 54% demonstrated a good level, and 7% showed an average level of attachment to their parents. Concerning decision-making style, 24% were at an excellent level, 59% were at a good level, and 16% were at an average level. There was a significant correlation between parental attachment style and certain demographic variables, while decision-making style generally did not show significant associations.

Conclusion: The study concluded that the majority of adolescents had good parental attachment and good decision-making styles. Healthy parental attachment positively influences adolescent behaviour and decision-making. The findings highlight the importance of parental support, emotional bonding, and effective communication in adolescent development.