Relation between perceived parental attitudes and self-confidence in adulthood

Introduction: Parental attitudes have important effects on child development. Based on the parents' behavior towards the child, the child will develop certain behavioral patterns and her personality will be formed. If the parents behave their children in an authoritarian attitude, the child will grow up as a passive individual. The development of self-confidence in such children is problematic. However, if family members approach their children in a democratic way and support their individual development, the child can become a self-confident adult in the future. Self-confident individuals have the motivation to overcome the negatives and obstacles in their lives. They are also aware of their abilities and potentials. Aim: This study investigates the relationship between perceived parental attitudes and self-confidence. As a result of the data to be obtained with this research, it is aimed to show how the attitudes and behaviors of parents while educating their children affect the self-confidence level of individuals in adulthood. During our study, we analyze the relationship between gender, the order of birth in the family, parental education level, parents' income level, one's own income level, one's own education level, and with self-confidence. Method: Individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 participated in this study. Data was obtained across Turkey. We used online survey method. Personal Data Form, Parent Attitude Scale, Self Confidence Scale were used as a measurement. Data were analyzed in SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science). Conclusion: According to the result of the study, democratic parental attitude has a positive effect on the self confidence level of the person. However, the protective-demanding attitude and authoritarian attitude affect the self-confidence of the person negatively. There is no difference between female and male participants' self-confidence level. Similarly, there is no difference between family income level and self-confidence level of the person. No significant relationship is found between the adult's income level and self-confidence level. There is no relationship between adult education level and self-confidence level. In addition to this, considering to the birth order, the youngest child's self-confidence level is found to be higher. Keywords: Parenting Styles, Self Confidence