Parenting styles, coping strategies, and the expression of homesickness

Abstract

The present study examined the role of parenting styles in the experience and expression of homesickness, and the way of coping with the feelings involved. Using a sample of 670 first year college and university students, aged 16 to 25, we tested three hypotheses: (1) authoritarian, permissive as well as uninvolved parenting are associated with the experience of homesickness, contrary to students with authoritative parents who are less likely to have feelings of homesickness; (2) students with authoritarian, permissive or uninvolved parents show their homesickness by internalizing and externalizing problems; and (3) students raised by authoritative or permissive parents use more effective coping strategies to deal with homesickness. Results indicated that students raised by authoritative and permissive parents experienced more homesickness with stronger feelings of homesickness than students raised by authoritarian or uninvolved parents. However, they hardly express homesickness by internalizing or externalizing problems when they use effective ways of coping, namely support‐seeking and/or problem‐solving. Students with parents endorsing an authoritarian or uninvolved parenting style, on the other hand, showed more internalizing and externalizing problems in reaction to feelings of homesickness. They also use less effective coping strategies. The results revealed the importance of a loving and accepting home environment for the development and expression of homesickness, as well as the importance of the way in which students learn to cope with their problems.

Emphases of Parenting in the Light of Three Comparison Groups

“…Our perspective considers parents as models of self-control, social skills, engagement in learning, and healthy lifestyles (Uusiautti, K. Määttä, & M. Määttä, 2013;see also Hubbs-Tait, 2008;Nijhof & Engels, 2007;Veríssimo et al, 2011), and providers of the sense of "worthy of love" in children (Lawrence, 2001). The purpose is not to set pressure to parents and demand ideal parenting from all.…”

Shifting parenting styles and the effect on juvenile delinquency.

“…Furthermore, children with permissive and indifferent parents are more likely to experience symptoms of depression than children whose parents are authoritative or authoritarian (Nijhof & Engels, 2007). Similarly, it has also been found that children whose parents are uninvolved often exhibit low signs of independence (Shaffer, 2000).…”

“…Authoritarian parenting has been found to correlate with lower levels of self confidence and a lower ability to employ effective coping mechanisms among adolescents (Nijhof & Engels, 2007). Research has also found a correlation between the restrictive and hostile characteristics of authoritarian parenting and high levels of adolescent anxiety because the child often externalizes hislher problems (Nijhof & Engels, 2007).…”

“…Research has also found a correlation between the restrictive and hostile characteristics of authoritarian parenting and high levels of adolescent anxiety because the child often externalizes hislher problems (Nijhof & Engels, 2007). The restrictive nature of authoritarian parenting does not allow the child or adolescent to properly explore his/her own social interactions, which may result in higher levels of dependence on parental direction.…”

“…Research has consistently found that authoritative parenting generally allows a child to develop into a healthy individual, both socially and psychologically (Nijhof & Engels, 2007). Research has also found that children from parents who are authoritative in their parenting style generally develop high levels of self-esteem, self reliance, and are able to employ effective coping strategies (Shaffer, 2000), and develop a positive image of self (parker & Benson, 2004).…”