The effects of parental attitudes on personality characteristics of emerging adulthood in university students

The purpose of this study is to observe the effect of parental attitudes on the personality traits of the individual and to examine the effects of the individual's socio- demographic characteristics on the attitude of the parent towards him and the effects of the parents' socio-demographic characteristics on their attitudes towards their children. The population of the research consists of university students aged 18-25. A total of 319 people (215 females and 104 males) participated in the study. Research data were collected using the online survey platform on the internet with snowball sampling method in 2019 across Turkey. In order to collect data, in addition to the Personal Information Form developed by the researchers, Parental Attitude Scale (ABTÖ) and the Big Five-50 Personality Test (B5KT-50) were used. In the analysis of data, Independent Sample t-Test, One-Way (ANOVA) and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used. The findings obtained from the study showed a statistically significant relationship in positive direction between ABTÖ Democratic Attitude Sub-dimension and B5KT-50 Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Intellect/Imagination factors. There was a statistically significant relationship in negative direction between Protective Attitude Sub-Scale and Agreeableness and Emotional Stability factors. A statistically significant correlation in negative direction was found between the Authoritarian Attitude subscale and Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Intellect/Imagination factors. According to the findings, parental attitudes approach is seen as a significant factor for the personality of the individual. Increasing research on this subject and providing trainings to parents is important for a healthier generation. Keywords: personality traits, parental attitudes, emerging adulthood