THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTING STYLES ON SOCIAL ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS OF FRESH UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS OF TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, IJEBU ODE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigated the major adjustment problems of fresh undergraduate students of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu Ode, Southwestern Nigeria. It examined the parenting styles of parents as perceived by the students. It also established sex differentials in the social adjustment problems of the students. Lastly, it examined the influence of parenting styles on social adjustment of fresh undergraduate students. These are with a view to assisting the students cope with adjustment problems in their first year in the university. The study was a descriptive research. The population consisted of all first year undergraduate students of the University. A sample of 350 students was composed using the disproportionate simple random sampling technique from three Departments in the College of Social and Management Sciences. A validated instrument titled “Students’ Adjustment and Perceived Parenting Styles Questionnaire” (SAPSQ) was used to elicit information from the students. Results showed the major social adjustment problems faced by the students included wanting to improve their appearances (=2.56), getting worried easily (=2.52), and being timid and shy (=2.50) and feeling lonely (=2.41). Results also indicated that the authoritative parenting style is the dominant parenting style perceived to be used by 60% of the students’ parents. There was no significant sex difference in the adjustment problems experienced by the students (t = -0.76, p >0 .05). However, parenting styles had significant influence on the social adjustment problems of the students (F = 5.38, p <0.05). The study concluded that the inclusion and whole participation of stakeholders such as parents, Heads of Departments, advisers, lecturers, school administrators and Counselors in the provision of essential advisory services and co-curricular activities for fresh undergraduates may assist them to transit well into the University community and cope effectively with the myriads of challenges therein.