THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARENTING STYLES AND PROSOCIAL BEHAVIORS AMONG ADOLESCENTS IN SOME SELECTED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF HARAR CITY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parenting styles and prosocial behaviors among adolescents in some selected secondary schools of Harar city. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires from 230adolescents who were selected by stratified random sampling. The study was employed correlation research design. The data analysis used statistical techniques like percentage, Independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. The correlation result indicated only two significant correlation were found. That is, authoritarian parenting style was significantly and positively correlated with anonymous prosocial behavior (df= 228, r= .133, p= .044) and uninvolved parenting style was significantly and positively correlated with dire prosocial behavior (r= .141, p= .033).Multiple Regression analysis was performed and there was statistically significant contribution of parenting styles to prosocial behavior of students’ F= .357, P < 0.05. There was no statistically significant gender difference in overall pro-social behavior t (228) =.308, p =.764. However, there was significant mean difference between male and female adolescent students on altruism and public sub-type of pro-social behavior. Female adolescents were scored higher on mean score of altruism pro-social behavior(M = 3.44) than male(M = 2.80) adolescents. As well as male adolescents were scored higher on mean score of public pro-social behavior(M = 2.40) than female adolescents(M = 1.75).The current study has recommended that parents, schools, government and non-government sectors and practitioners who are concerned about promoting adolescents’ positive behaviors and performance and discouraging negative behaviors.