Study Reveals Which Parenting Style Can Reduce a Child’s Social Anxiety

The following is excerpted from an online article posted by Parents.com.

A University of Georgia study, recently published in the journal Adolescent Research Review, sheds light on how the parenting style of both mothers and fathers uniquely influences the development of social skills.

Here’s what the study finds:

• Coldness and control may hurt. Parents who are overly strict or overly protective can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
• Warmth and affection can help. Love and support from both parents can reduce anxiety symptoms.
• Mothers make a significant impact. Maternal patterns, especially those who are controlling, have a greater influence than paternal behaviors.

The new study reveals that the nurturing behaviors of both parents in heterosexual households have the power to lower levels of anxiety during adolescence. In a loving and encouraging environment, each parent acts as an equal protective factor against anxious patterns and symptoms.

Source: Parents.com
https://www.parents.com/parenting-style-and-child-social-anxiety-11815678