Project Director

Murillo, Krysta

Department Examiner

Meece, Darrell

Department

Dept. of Education

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

This thesis examines the long-term effects of parenting styles and attachment experiences on adult psychological well-being, relational competence, academic aspirations, and self-concept. Through qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with three participants from the Chattanooga, Tennessee area, the study investigates how family dynamics—framed by Baumrind’s parenting models and Bowlby’s attachment theory—shape developmental trajectories across the lifespan. Findings indicate that authoritative parenting fosters resilience, empathy, and secure attachments, while authoritarian and avoidant parenting styles often lead to relational hesitancy and diminished self-worth. Emphasizing the value of responsive, balanced parenting, this study underscores its role in promoting emotional security and adaptive coping, with meaningful implications for clinical and educational interventions aimed at building healthier family dynamics. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the intergenerational impact of parenting approaches, supporting advancements in family therapy and developmental psychology.

IRB Number

24-059

Degree

B. S.; An honors thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Date

12-2024

Subject

Adult children of dysfunctional families; Parenting--Study and teaching--United States

Name

Baumrind, Diana, 1927-; Bowlby, John

Keyword

parenting styles; Bowlby; Baumrind; attatchment styles; parenting impacts

Discipline

Educational Psychology

Document Type

Theses

Extent

ii, 93 leaves

DCMI Type

Text

Language

English

Rights

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

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