Perceived parenting style and grit as predictors of self-concept of adolescents aged 10-20 in Slovakia

Background In the present study, we focused on examining the relationship between parenting styles, self-concept, and grit. We conceptualized self-concept as a three-dimensional variable with cognitive, emotional, and conative dimensions. Parenting style was defined using emotional relationships and autonomy granting. The optimal parenting style in our view entails a combination of parental responsiveness (fostering a positive relationship) with an appropriate degree of autonomy granting (defined as providing relative freedom). We hypothesized that adolescent grit and parenting style are related to a positively defined self-concept. Participants and procedure The present study included 1,483 participants (55.5% female) aged 10-20 years (M = 15.00, SD = 2.60). All participants attended primary and secondary education (ISCED 2 and 3) across five regions in Slovakia. The research methods consisted of administering the Self-Concept Questionnaire-18 (DOS-18), the Parenting Style Inventory PSI-II, and the Grit Scale. Results We observed different predictors of self-concept for boys and girls. Shared predictors of self-concept for both sexes included mother’s responsiveness, passion, and perseverance as components of grit. The differences were in the non-significance of father’s responsiveness and the significance of autonomy granting by the father in relation to self-concept of boys. Conclusions The results of the present research suggest that different parenting approaches may be beneficial for boys and girls. In particular, the role of the father and his ability to support the relative autonomy of the son appears to be important, as evidenced by the fact that boys’ self-concept is typically more positive than that of girls.