INFLUENCE OF PARENTING STYLE AND PEER PRESSURE ON ADOLESCENT AGGRESSION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SELF ESTEEM

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of parenting style and peer pressure on adolescent aggression, with a particular focus on the mediating role of self-esteem. A total of 350 adolescents from secondary schools in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad participated in the study through purposive sampling. Standardized self-report measures were used to assess perceived parenting styles, experiences of peer pressure, levels of self-esteem, and aggressive behaviors. The findings revealed that both authoritarian parenting and high peer pressure were positively associated with increased aggression among adolescents. Conversely, authoritative parenting showed a negative association with aggression. Mediation analysis indicated that self-esteem significantly mediated the relationship between both parenting style and peer pressure with adolescent aggression. Specifically, lower self-esteem partially explained the pathway through which negative parenting styles and peer influence contributed to aggressive behaviors. These results highlight the importance of fostering supportive parenting practices and enhancing adolescent self-esteem to mitigate the impact of peer pressure and reduce aggression. Implications for educational and psychological interventions are discussed.