The effect of parenting style on aggressive behavior in adolescents: the chain mediating roles of self-control and attachment

Introduction We investigated the mediating effects of self-control and attachment in the relationship between parenting style and aggressive behavior among Chinese adolescents. Methods A total of 617 adolescents from Jiangsu, Henan and Hunan provinces completed Parenting Style Scale、 Aggressive Behavior Scale、 Self-Control Scale and Attachment Sale. Results The results were follows: (1) There were significant correlations between parenting style, aggressive behavior, self-control, and attachment. (2) Both self-control and attachment mediated the relationship between positive parenting style and aggressive behavior. (3) Self-control and attachment played a significant chain mediating role in the relationship between positive parenting style and aggressive behavior. Discussion Thus both parents’ positive and negative parenting styles can directly associate adolescents’ aggressive behavior. In addition, parents’ positive parenting style can also indirectly associate adolescents’ aggressive behavior through the separate mediating and the chain mediating roles of self-control and attachment.