Relationship Between Family Authority Styles and Levels of Anxiety and Aggression in Children and Adolescents in the Community: A Quantitative Correlational Study

Abstract

Family is the first socialization setting and one of the most influential contexts in children's and adolescents' emotional and behavioral development. Within this framework, this study aimed to determine the relationship between family authority styles (democratic/authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful) and levels of anxiety and aggression among children and adolescents in the community. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted with 312 participants aged 10 to 17 years from urban and rural educational institutions. The instruments used were the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire adapted for adolescents. The findings showed statistically significant associations between parenting styles and emotional-behavioral outcomes. Democratic parenting was associated with lower levels of anxiety and aggression, whereas authoritarian and neglectful parenting were linked to higher anxious symptomatology and more aggressive behaviors. Permissive parenting showed moderate associations with verbal aggression and anger. It is concluded that family dynamics characterized by affection, communication, and consistent boundaries function as protective factors for child and adolescent mental health. These findings provide relevant evidence for the design of community-based strategies aimed at strengthening family coexistence and preventing emotional and behavioral problems in school populations.