The Impact of Social Adjustment on the Relationship between Parenting Styles and Oppositional Defiant Tendencies among Young Adults

Abstract

The current study aimed to investigate the impact of social adjustment on the relationship between parenting styles and oppositional defiant tendencies (ODT) among young adults. A cross-sectional quantitative design was used, with a sample of 205 participants selected through purposive sampling from various areas of Hazara Division. Data were collected using the Parenting Authority Scale (PAS), Social Adjustment Scale (SAS-M), and Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorder Scale (CODDS). Results revealed that authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were positively related to ODT, while authoritative parenting was negatively related. Social adjustment significantly moderated the relationship between parenting styles and ODT. Gender, family structure, and socioeconomic status differences were also found. The findings highlight the importance of parenting and social skills in managing defiant behaviors.