Parental Differential Treatment, Dimensions of Identity Development and Well- Being Among Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined the impact of perceived parental differential treatment in context of parental affection and parental control on psychological well-being and Dimensions of Identity Development among Pakistani adolescents. A gender inclusive sample of 300 students, aged 14 to 17 (M = 15.6, SD = 1.5), was drawn from public and private schools in Islamabad and Rawalpindi using Convenience sampling techniques. Study was based upon Quantitative research design where data were collected through survey design. Participants completed the questionnaire containing Parental Differential Treatment Scale, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Dimensions of Identity Development Scale was administered. A written consent was obtained from parents or guardians of the participants. The data collected was subjected to SPSS for statistical analysis, where inferential and descriptive analysis was run. Pearson correlation analyses showed that Parental Affection Differential Treatment (PADT) had a strong significant negative association with psychological well- being (r = –.65) and with adaptive identity dimensions: Commitment Making (r = –.38), Identification with Commitment (r = –.37), Exploration in Breadth (r = –.40), and Exploration in Depth (r = –.38). PADT was positively associated with Ruminative Exploration (r = .40). Parental Control Differential Treatment (PCDT) showed significant negative but weaker associations with identity dimensions and wellbeing. Regression analysis confirmed that PADT significantly predicted psychological well-being and identity development outcomes, when age, mode of birth, living arrangement, gender and PCDT were controlled. The findings suggest that perceived parental differential treatment within a family environment is a critical impact factor for adolescents’ well-being and identity development. Emphasizing fairness and consistency in parental affection and control is essential for building healthy identity development and wellbeing during adolescence, particularly within the Pakistani families.