Parenting Styles and Self-Esteem: A Study of Lebanese Adolescents

Purpose: This study aimed at identifying the prevailing parenting styles in the Bekaa region- (Lebanon) from adolescents’ perspective. In addition, it aimed at detecting the adolescents’ self-esteem levels, and the relationships between parenting styles and adolescents’ self-esteem. Approach/Methodology/Design: A purposeful sample of 728 students completed the study questionnaire. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies and its validity and reliability were established. The study followed the descriptive analytical approach for the purpose of data collection and data analysis. Findings: The results showed that the prevailing parenting style as perceived by adolescents in Bekaa is the authoritative style (88%). Another finding was that 78.3% of the adolescents have normal levels of self-esteem. Moreover, Pearson’s r showed a moderate, positive and significant correlation between self-esteem and authoritative parenting style and a weak, negative correlation between self-esteem and both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles. Linear regression analysis indicated that the three parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative and permissive) and father's educational level are the predictors of self-esteem. Originality/value: The value of this study lies in serving the community by highlighting some points that play an important role in shaping and forming the personality of our children who, in turn, will be active members of our society.