Parenting styles, coping strategies and anxiety among secondary school adolescents in Mbale City

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between parenting styles, coping strategies, and anxiety among secondary school students in Mbale City, Uganda. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 298 students through standardized questionnaires. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationships between parenting styles, coping strategies, and anxiety, and to explore the predictive power of these variables on adolescent anxiety. Results showed that authoritative parenting was positively correlated with overall coping (r = .157, p < .01), problem-focused coping (r = .192, p < .01), and emotional-focused coping (r = .133, p < .05); while permissive parenting showed negative correlations with overall coping (r = −.118, p < .05) and emotional-focused coping (r = −.114, p < .05). Avoidant coping was positively correlated with anxiety (r = .235, p < .01). However, no significant correlations were found between parenting styles (overall, authoritarian, or authoritative) and anxiety. Additionally, problem-focused (r = −.039, p > .05) and emotional-focused coping (r = .041, p > .05) were not significantly related to anxiety. Regression analyses indicated that coping strategies did not mediate the relationship between parenting styles and anxiety (B = 0.058, p = 0.213). The study shows the need for interventions targeting both parenting practices and coping mechanisms to improve adolescent mental health in Uganda. Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse cultural and socio-economic settings.