The competency-control paradox in parenting adolescents: Evidence from an Indian mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Cross-cultural Psychology
• Adolescent Mental Health

Background:

• Adolescence is a critical period for mental health, influenced by parenting, temperament, and sociocultural context.
• Existing parenting models are predominantly Western, with limited research from India.
• Understanding Indian parenting is crucial for effective adolescent support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore parenting dimensions in Indian adolescents.
• To examine parent and child perspectives on parenting practices.
• To investigate the sociocultural influences on adolescent adaptation in India.

Main Methods:

• Simultaneous mixed methods study using cross-sectional data from the Indian Consortium on Vulnerability to Externalizing Disorders and Addictions (cVEDA) cohort.
• Exploratory factor analysis of parent and child versions of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ).
• Thematic analysis of in-depth interviews with 31 adolescents and their parents.

Main Results:

• The original APQ structure did not replicate in the Indian context.
• Parent reports identified Involvement/Positive Parenting, Poor Monitoring, and Corporal Punishment.
• Child reports revealed five dimensions, differentiating maternal and paternal involvement, with high control linked to academic goals.
• Adolescents perceived practices as both supportive and restrictive; parental openness influenced communication.

Conclusions:

• Indian adolescent parenting requires understanding within its unique sociocultural and relational context.
• Parental involvement and control are key supports, but excessive control may impede competency development.
• Integrating parent and adolescent views is vital for culturally relevant research and interventions.