Influence Of Parenting Styles on Risk-Taking BehaviorsOf Youth in Tagbilaran City

Abstract

Youth is a critical transitional phase from childhood to adulthood, characterized by distinct physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development, where the influence of parenting styles plays a crucial role in shaping adolescents' risk-taking behaviors and overall health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the influence of parenting styles on the risk-taking behaviors of youth in Tagbilaran City. The researchers used the quantitative-descriptive research method using the standardized questionnaire authored by Dr. Leah Wilfreda E. Pilongo. It was conducted across 15 barangays in Tagbilaran City, targeting a youth population of 19,151, with a sample size of 389 respondents, to ensure a broad analysis of the factors influencing their development. The researchers conducted the study following the "do no harm principle." The data were subjected to Pearson Chi-Square Tests to analyze the specified variables. The analysis of the data on parenting styles on sexual risk-taking behaviors of youths in Tagbilaran City indicates that permissive parenting styles—both from mothers and fathers—are associated with higher levels of sexual risk-taking behaviors among youths. In contrast, supportive and affectionate parenting styles do not consistently correlate with these behaviors. Trust appears to have a distinctive influence, especially regarding unprotected sex. These results underscore the intricacies of parental influence on youth behavior and suggest that different dimensions of parenting styles can have varying impacts on youth's decisions related to sexual health.