Abstract

  Background and Aim : Parenting style as one of the basic functions of parents has an important role at the later stages of life. This research has been accomplished to determine the effect of parenting styles on self- efficacy and mental health of students.

  Materials and Methods : This descriptive-analytical research has been done on 210 students (105 males and 105 females) among 3757 humanity students of Payam-e-Noor and Azad Universities in Neyshabour who were selected by multilayer cluster sampling method. The subjects were tested by child rearing self-efficacy and GHQ-28 questionnaires. The data were analyzed applying one-way ANOVA, two-factor (F), and Tukey test.

  Results : The results indicated that parenting styles had a significant influence on self-efficacy of students (p= 0.0064). There was a significant effect on increasing self-efficacy in authoritative style compared with permissive style (p=0.0001) and the authoritarian style (p=0.01). Also, parenting styles had a significant effect on mental health condition (p=0.027). Parenting styles had different significant effects on mental health of students. Authoritative style had an effect more than that of the authoritarian style (p=0.0078) and permissive style more than authoritarian style (p=0.018).

  Conclusion : Regarding the effect of parenting styles on self-efficacy and mental health which is of great importance in students, teaching programs about parenting styles is recommended for parents at different levels.