Perceived Parental Autonomy, Peer Influence and Perceived Self-Concept in Young Adults

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The study aims to explore the relationship between perceived parental autonomy, peer influence and perceived self-concept in young adults. It was conducted with the individuals between the age ranges of 18 to 25 who were Pakistani nationals.

Method: The correlational research design was used to collect data from 200 university students through self-report questionnaire. The measures that were employed in conducting this research were Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale (PPASS) (Mageau et al., 2015), Perceived Peer Pressure Scale (PPPS) (Palani & Mani, 2016), Self-concept Clarity Scale (SCCS) (Campbell et al., 1996).

Findings: The results of the study revealed that there is a positive correlation between perceived maternal autonomy and perceived self-concept, a negative correlation between perceived paternal autonomy and peer influence, also negative correlation between peer influence and perceived self-concept. The prediction analysis through hierarchical regression revealed that gender, perceived paternal autonomy and perceived maternal autonomy doesn’t predict self-concept. But peer influence negatively predicts self-concept. There is significant gender difference in case of perceived parental autonomy, both for mother as well as for father, and peer influence. However, no gender differences were reported in case of perceived self-concept.

Conclusion: The study attempted to fill the gaps in literature highlights the importance of youth empowerment projects and the need to further study these constructs among different age groups and culture.