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Abstract

This study examines the role of parental autonomy support in adolescents’ positive emotional adjustment across different socio-cultural contexts, based on a comprehensive literature review. Adolescents’ mental health problems are a global concern, affecting 10-20% of adolescents worldwide (WHO, 2021). Previous research has consistently shown that family environmental factors and parental autonomy support are significant predictors of positive emotions in adolescents. However, the current landscape of increasing emphasis on mental health and emotional well-being calls for a deeper understanding of how autonomy support influences adolescents’ emotional adjustment. This study aims to address this gap by synthesizing the existing evidence and identifying the key mechanisms and moderators of the relationship between parental autonomy support and adolescents’ positive emotional adjustment. The review reveals that numerous studies have highlighted the critical nature of parental autonomy support in improving adolescents' emotional resilience and overall mental health while ignoring cultural or socio-economic differences. Moreover, the study highlights how adolescents benefit from a holistic network of support that includes teachers, peers, and government agencies. At the same time, the research underscores how adolescents navigate broader societal influences that may affect their emotional adjustment. While the literature indicates that schools and social environments offer some learning opportunities and resources to support emotional health, it also emphasizes the unavoidable challenges that adolescents encounter, such as peer pressure, academic stress, and societal expectations. The conclusion of the study reflects on the implications of these findings for parents, educators, and policymakers. It underscores the need for strategies that improve autonomy support, promote a holistic support system, and address the broader societal influences on adolescents’ emotional adjustment. By doing so, it provides significant insights into fostering emotional resilience and well-being among adolescents, both in school settings and beyond.

Course: Education Studies - BA - U2711FTC

Date Deposited: 2023-07-28

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14190.html