Does Schooling Type Matter? Long-Term Effects of Homeschooling vs. Conventional Education on Social and Psychological Outcomes

This study investigates whether homeschooling and conventional schooling differentially influence social competence and psychological well-being in adulthood.A comparative mixed-method design was employed with a sample of 240 adults aged 18-40 years.Quantitative data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Social Skills Inventory and the Psychological Wellbeing Scale, while qualitative insights were obtained through semi-structured interviews.Findings indicate that individuals who were homeschooled demonstrate levels of emotional well-being comparable to their conventionally educated counterparts but experience moderate challenges in large-group social interactions.Conversely, conventionally educated individuals exhibit greater social adaptability but report higher stress levels, largely attributed to peer comparison.The results underscore the critical role of social exposure and environmental context in shaping adult developmental outcomes.