The Influence of Authoritarian Parenting on Bullying Behavior in Adolescence

Abstract

Bullying behavior is a complex phenomenon often associated with adolescents' proximal environment, particularly parental parenting styles. This study aims to analyze adolescents' perceptions regarding the influence of authoritarian parenting on aggressive behavior and to map the trends in bullying behavior in the late adolescent population. This study used a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey method. Data were collected from 102 respondents aged 15–20 years (83.3% female) using an online questionnaire measuring perceived causality, parenting experiences, and the intensity of bullying behavior. The results indicate a strong perception among respondents that restrictive parenting contributes to aggression (75.5% agree/strongly agree). However, empirically, the level of physical bullying behavior was found to be very low (67.6% never), in line with the low reported experience of extreme authoritarian parenting. An interesting finding is that although physical aggression was minimal, indications of verbal and relational bullying (social exclusion) were detected at moderate intensity. This indicates that in a female-dominated demographic, the impact of parenting or social pressure tends to manifest in the form of manipulation of interpersonal relationships rather than physical violence.