IMPLICATION OF PARENTING STYLE ON MENTAL HEALTH OF UNDERGRADUATES IN ADEYEMI FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, ONDO

ABSTRACT This study investigated the implication of Parenting Style on Mental Health of Undergraduate in Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. There was a general introduction under which the need for the study was determined. The general and specific objectives were stated four research questions were raised and three hypotheses were tested. Literatures were reviewed under relevant subtopics. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised all undergraduate in Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo. A purposive sampling technique was used to select all Faculties in the Institution. Simple ransom sampling techniques was used to select two (2) Departments in each Faculty. Stratified random sampling was used to select male and female in the study area making a total sample size of two hundred (200) respondents. Questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted using frequency count and percentage for demographic data and research questions while Regression Analysis and Paired t-test were used to test hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The result revealed that there is significant relationship between parenting styles (Authoritative, Permissive, Authoritarian, Neglectful) and mental health outcomes among undergraduate; there is significant different between the mental health outcome of students raised by authoritative and those raised by permissive parents; and there is significant different between the mental health outcome of students raised by authoritarian parents and those raised by neglectful parents. Based on findings, it was concluded that authoritarian parenting, characterized by control and rigidity, is associated with increased anxiety and a dependence on external validation, while neglectful parenting, defined by emotional detachment, often leads to feelings of abandonment and low self-worth. Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations were made: counseling centers at universities should provide tailored support for students from authoritarian and neglectful backgrounds, as they may be more vulnerable to anxiety, low self-worth, and other mental health issues; Universities should establish peer support groups that foster a sense of community and provide emotional support especially for those who may lack emotional support at home, helping them build stronger self-esteem and coping skills.