Behind Every Bias Is a Parenting Style: How Does Different Parenting Styles Influence Adolescent Stereotype Levels?

Shanshan Zhao

doi:10.54097/tzv41f74

Authors

Shanshan Zhao

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/tzv41f74

Keywords:

Parenting styles, stereotype, adolescent wellbeing, demandingness, responsiveness.

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of parenting styles, determined by the level of demandingness and responsiveness, on the level of stereotype formed among adolescents. Using a sample of 100 Chinese adolescents (aged 13–18), a self-report questionnaire measured parenting styles based on scales of demandingness and responsiveness as IV, and level of stereotype through four domains (general, age-related, gender-related, race-related) as DV. Results revealed that responsiveness consistently predicted higher stereotype level across all domains, challenging conventional assumptions that warmth reduces bias. This paradoxical role of responsiveness can be contextualized within Chinese collectivist cultural dimension, where bidirectional communication may inadvertently amplify societal norms. Demandingness showed mixed effects, with generally weaker and no significance impact on general or age-related stereotypes. Parenting styles generally explained more substantial variance in general and age-related stereotypes, but less in gender and racial stereotypes, suggesting stronger external influences (e.g., media, education) in the latter domains.

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