Exploring the Impact of Diverse Parenting Styles on Child and Adolescent’s Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Introduction Parenting styles are crucial in shaping children's psychological health, including self-esteem, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Despite their recognized importance, no comprehensive review exists that links specific parenting styles to child and adolescent’s mental health outcomes while holistically looking at the other relevant aspects affected by them. Objectives This study aimed to examine the effects of different parenting styles on child and adolescent’s mental health, including consequences related to physical and emotional well-being, self-esteem, behavioral problems, medical conditions, academic performance, and social functioning, providing a comprehensive analysis of their overall impact. Methodology A systematic literature search was conducted across three databases: PubMed, PsycArticles, and Cochrane. Duplicate articles were excluded, and the search was restricted to peer-reviewed articles published in English. The remaining studies were screened based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were assessed for quality and bias. The complete selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines given by the PRISMA 2020 checklist. Results This review highlights the significant impact of different parenting styles on various aspects of child and adolescent development. Authoritative parenting generally leads to better mental health, emotional stability, higher self-esteem, and improved social skills, while authoritarian and neglectful styles are associated with poor mental health, lower self-esteem, and behavioral issues. Conclusion Authoritative parenting, in contrast to authoritarian and neglectful styles, is linked to better and more positive outcomes promoting resilience, competence, and well-being in children. Recommendations 1. Introduction of tailored parenting programs according to diverse cultural backgrounds promoting authoritative practices. 2. Future research to be directed towards exploring cultural and contextual factors, generational traumas and effects of co-parenting.