Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Rachel Moore

Abstract

Various studies have shown that the style of parenting has a significant influence on the academic performance and success of students. Furthermore, these studies have shown this evidence on academic performance in different contexts, that is at different grade levels and in different countries. The dearth of literature on the relationship between African-American parenting styles and academic performances is important as there is no universally acknowledged best way of parenting. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between parenting styles and academic performance of African-American college students at historically black colleges and universities on the East Coast. Participants for this study included 340 African American students. The inclusion criteria for participants was that they be African-American and a student enrolled in an HBCU on the East Coast of the U.S. According to the findings, parental responsiveness and demandingness were not significantly correlated with the of academic performance. Thus, the main hypothesis was not supported. The findings indicated that women are influential in the family and are seen as more demanding and responsive to the students than men. To facilitate social change, it would be important to share with women how important they truly are within the family system. This study could also influence social change by empowering African American women and providing consistent support through new initiatives while parenting their children throughout the college years.

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