Date
8-20-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Human Services: Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health
Department
Human Services
Abstract
Ineffective parenting can lead to long-term, severe, and lasting consequences for children. Children depend heavily on their primary caregivers for safety and to have their basic needs met. However, not all parents demonstrate positive parenting styles, whether due to a lack of knowledge, limited capacity, or simply a lack of interest. Parenting styles fall into four categories: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved. The type of parenting style a caregiver adopts can significantly influence the attachment style a child has with them. Four attachment styles that children have are insecure avoidant attachment, secure attachment, insecure resistant attachment, and disorganized attachment. Children who do not receive effective parenting can experience emotional dysregulation, difficulty with future relationships and friendships, problematic behaviors, criminal behavior, and mental illness. Furthermore, children exposed to harsh parenting styles, including abuse or neglect, are at risk of developing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can impact their emotional, cognitive, and social development. To thrive, children need positive support and guidance to effectively live their lives.