The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Internalizing–Externalizing Behaviors Among Children Aged 5–10 Years

Abstract

Background: Behavioral and emotional problems in childhood, often categorized as internalizing and externalizing behaviors, have long been recognized as key predictors of later psychological and social maladjustment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate how different parenting styles influence internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children aged 5 to 10 years.

Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to to investigate how different parenting styles influence internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children aged 5 to 10 years.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 162 parents of 5–10-year-old children in AGB Colony, Motijheel, and Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Jan–Dec 2020). Parenting styles and child behaviors were assessed using PSDQ and SDQ via face-to-face and telephone interviews. Data were analyzed in SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation (p < 0.05), with ethical approval and confidentiality ensured.

Results: Among 162 children (mean age 7.48 ± 1.73; 55.6% girls), authoritative parenting was highest (4.27) versus authoritarian (1.68) and permissive (1.50). Externalizing behaviors were mostly average (61%), while 95.7% showed elevated internalizing behaviors. Total difficulties correlated strongly with internalizing (r = 0.856) and externalizing (r = 0.819); associations with parenting styles were non-significant.

Conclusion: Supportive authoritative parenting may help reduce internalizing and externalizing behaviors in children, highlighting its importance.