An examination of the effects of of perceived parenting styles on self-efficacy and psychological well-being in adults

This study investigated the effects of perceived parental attitudes—specifically emotional warmth, overprotectiveness, and rejection—on adults' self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Furthermore, it examined whether these parental attitudes played a mediating role in the relationship between self-efficacy and psychological well-being. The research employed a correlational survey model, and data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Findings indicated that self-efficacy significantly predicted psychological well-being (β = .536; p < .01). A significant positive correlation was found between emotional warmth and self-efficacy (r = .401; p < .01), while overprotectiveness and rejection were negatively associated with self-efficacy. In particular, rejection was negatively and significantly correlated with self-efficacy (r = –.390; p < .01). Mediation analyses revealed that perceived parental rejection had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Regression analysis showed that as self-efficacy increased, psychological well-being also improved; however, higher levels of perceived parental rejection weakened this relationship. In conclusion, perceived parental attitudes have a substantial impact on individuals' levels of self-efficacy and, consequently, on their psychological well-being. Supportive and emotionally warm parenting approaches were found to strengthen self-efficacy beliefs, which in turn enhanced overall life satisfaction and emotional well-being. These results underscore the enduring influence of early parental interactions on adult psychological functioning.