A Predictive Model of Self-Differentiation Based on Authoritative Parenting Style with the Mediating Role of Ego Development in Adolescence
Keywords:
Self, differentiation, authoritative parenting style, ego development, adolescence, structural equationAbstract
Objective: The present study aimed to develop and test a predictive model of self-differentiation based on authoritative parenting style with the mediating role of ego development among adolescents.
Methods and Materials: This descriptive-correlational study employed structural equation modeling. The statistical population consisted of all male students aged 14–18 years enrolled in grades 10, 11, and 12 of public upper-secondary schools in Qom during the 2023–2024 academic year. A total of 330 students were selected using multistage cluster random sampling. Data were collected using Buri’s Parental Authority Questionnaire, the Differentiation of Self Inventory, and the 18-item short form of Loevinger’s Sentence Completion Test for assessing ego development. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficients, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling.
Findings: Authoritative parenting was positively and significantly correlated with ego development (r = 0.722, p < 0.01) and self-differentiation (r = 0.763, p < 0.01). Ego development was also positively and significantly correlated with self-differentiation (r = 0.819, p < 0.01). Structural modeling showed that authoritative parenting significantly predicted ego development (β = 0.709, t = 18.811) and self-differentiation (β = 0.715, t = 19.289). Ego development also significantly predicted self-differentiation (β = 0.731, t = 20.195). The coefficient of determination for self-differentiation was R² = 0.589. Model fit indices, including GOF = 0.550, Q² = 0.238, and NFI = 0.956, indicated satisfactory model fit and predictive relevance.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that authoritative parenting and ego development play important roles in explaining adolescents’ self-differentiation, suggesting that strengthening supportive and structured parent–adolescent interactions together with intrapersonal developmental processes may contribute to greater psychological autonomy and healthier relational functioning.
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