The relationship between ego identity status and perceived parenting style in Black adolescents from different family structures

[摘要] English: Adolescence is a dynamic life phase in which the formation of an identity is prioritised. The family is one of the primary structures supporting adolescents in reaching various developmental tasks, including forming an ego identity. The structure of the family and parenting styles can play a role in how adolescents develop ego identity. In South Africa, adolescents form their identities in the context of a constantly changing social environment, creating unique challenges for the development of their identities. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between ego identity statuses and perceived parenting styles in black adolescents living in different family structures. A non-experimental quantitative research design was used. By using a non-probability, convenience sampling method, a sample of 188 participants was selected from four high schools in the Mangaung area. The original version of the Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, which is based on Marcia's theory of identity status, was used to measure the construct ego identity status, while the Parental Authority Questionnaire, which is based on Baumrind's work, measured perceived parenting style. A biographical questionnaire provided information regarding participants' age, gender, ethnic group, and family structure. Data were analysed. The majority of black adolescents in the sample did not live with their biological parents and reported living in a non-nuclear family. Furthermore, considering the theories of Erikson (1968) and Marcia (1966), many participants have not yet made personal ego identity commitments, as one would expect. No statistically significant differences were reported between ego identity statuses and perceived parenting styles in nuclear and non-nuclear family structures in this sample. Finally, significant positive correlations were found between a diffused status and an authoritative parenting style, as well as between an achieved status and a permissive parenting style.

[发布机构] University of the Free State