THE ROLE OF PARENTING STYLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF ADOLESCENTS’ PRO-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG ADDIS KETEMA SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY STUDENTS.

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the role of parenting styles in developing adolescents’ pro-social behaviour among Addis ketema secondary and preparatory school students. The tools used in the study were questionnaires which mean that two adapted instruments, i.e. the Pro-social Tendencies Measure (PTM-R) and Parenting Style Scales (PSS) and interview. Adapted Parenting style scales questionnaires and pro-social tendencies measures were administered to a randomly selected 354 adolescent students. The study was employed explanatory mixed approach by using both inferential and descriptive statistics. The data analysis used statistical techniques like descriptive statistics, Pearson’s bivariate correlation, and regression analysis. The study found that significant positive relationship between the authoritarian as well as the authoritative parenting style and the level of adolescents pro-social behaviour development, (P<0.05) at a (.000) and (P<0.05) at a (.000) level of significance respectively. Regression analysis was performed and the result indicates the authoritative parenting style found to have a more powerful impact on development of adolescents pro-social behaviour with (β =.365, p<.05).The result from descriptive analysis shows that altruistic pro-social behaviour is the commonly practiced pro-social behaviour among the students with the mean average of (M=2.80) while other types of pro-social behaviours (Dire, Anonymous, Compliant, Public, and Emotional) are less practiced comparing to the altruistic one. The authoritative parenting style actually had a more powerful influence on the respondents’ level of pro-social behaviour development achieved. It is important for parents to guide and teach their children how to choose good friends.