Navigating adulthood: Parental rearing practices and their influence on students’ mental well-being at the tertiary level

A close relation between parental rearing practices and students’ mental well-being has been identified and linked to various socioeconomic, academic, and developmental factors. The current evolving societal landscape presents new challenges every day. However, limited attention has been given to the parental rearing practices and their outcomes on students' well-being in higher education settings. This study aimed to explore how parental rearing practices influence students’ mental well-being at the tertiary level, particularly psychological well-being, academic success, and emotional stability as they navigate adulthood in different social environments. In this qualitative study, nine semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. A thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes, and the findings highlighted the role of psychological support in reducing anxiety, emotional distress, and susceptibility to depression, while the negative outcomes included poor social skills and emotional withdrawal from parents. These findings underscore the need for social awareness and family education in the upbringing of the young generation on intergenerational transitioning that does not harm the mental well-being of students.