Children’s Perception of Parental Conflicts, Parent-Child Bonding and Social Anxiety in Adolescents

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between adolescents’ perceptions of inter-parental conflict, the quality of parent-child bonding, and the prevalence of social anxiety. A total of 200 adolescents (100 males and 100 females) were selected from various private schools in Lahore and Peshawar, Pakistan, using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using three standardized instruments: the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) developed by Parker, Tupling, and Brown (1979), the Children’s Perception of Inter-Parental Conflict Scale (CPIC) by Grych, Seid, and Fincham (1992), and the Kutcher Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder Scale for Adolescents (KGSADS-A) developed by Stanley Kutcher (1999). The findings indicated significant correlations between adolescents’ perceptions of inter-parental conflict, the nature of parent-child bonding, and social anxiety. Furthermore, gender and socioeconomic status were found to be significant variables influencing social anxiety levels. Regression analyses revealed that both parental conflict and parent-child bonding were significant predictors of social anxiety in adolescents. The results highlight the importance of addressing family dynamics in interventions aimed at supporting adolescent mental health, suggesting that educating parents on constructive conflict resolution may have a positive impact on their children's emotional well-being.