An examination of different types of parental control on the well-being of Turkish emerging adults

Abstract

Objective: The present study explored the association between emerging adults' perceptions of different types of parental control and their well-being. Background: There is a lack of research investigating parental control in Turkey during emerging adulthood. The current study addresses the gap by examining the role of basic psychological needs frustration (BPNF), guided by the self-determination theory. Method: The sample included 714 participants who were unmarried, aged 18 to 24 years, and Turkish. Participants answered self-report questionnaires on parental control, BPNF, and mental and sexual well-being. Results: Perceived parental psychological and sexual control were positively and behavioral control was negatively associated with BPNF. The BPNF mediated the relationship between perceived parental psychological and behavioral control, mental well-being, and the relationship between perceived parental sexual control and sexual well-being. The association between perceived parental sexual control and sexual well-being was moderated by gender and religiosity. Conclusion: Findings highlight the importance of examining parental control while investigating the well-being of Turkish emerging adults. Implications: Interference with meeting basic psychological needs may be linked to distress for emerging adults. Future research should explore the long-term consequences of parental control on youth development, taking gender and religiosity into account.