The Study of Academic Stress in the Context of Parenting Style and Gender

The present investigation examined the influence of parenting style and gender on academic stress experienced by college students. The sample comprised 90 college students, divided into three parenting style categories: 30 students from authoritarian backgrounds (15 female, 15 male), 30 students from permissive backgrounds (15 female, 15 male), and 30 students from authoritative backgrounds (15 female, 15 male). Participants ranged in age from 17 to 22 years. Random sampling technique was employed to select students from various degree colleges located in Nainital district, Uttarakhand. The sample configuration followed a 3x2 factorial design. Data collection utilized the Three-Dimensional Parental Behaviour Inventory developed by Hardeo Ojha (2009) and the Academic Stress Scale (ASSCS) constructed by Dr. Vikas S. Kamble (2015). Two-way ANOVA was applied for data analysis. Results indicated a significant main effect of parenting style on academic stress, with students from authoritarian households reporting elevated stress levels compared to those from authoritative and permissive backgrounds. Gender did not emerge as a significant factor influencing academic stress among college students.