The Role of Perceived Parenting Styles and Positive Thinking in Predicting Gender Identity of Iranian Female Adolescents

Abstract

Background: This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived parental style and positive thinking with gender identity of Iranian female adolescents. Methods: This was a correlational research. Statistical population included all female adolescents of Tehran, Iran (2018 academic year) and its statistical sample consisted of 384 participants which were selected through cluster sampling method. The data were gathered using Schertzer et al.’s Gender Role Identity Scale (GRIS), Robbins’ perception of parenting styles (POPS), and Ingram and Wisnicki’s automatic thoughts questionnaire (ATQ). Analysis of data was conducted by Pearson correlation coefficient and linear multiple regression using SPSS software. Results: The mean of feminine characteristics among the girls was higher than their masculine characteristics (P > 0.050). Furthermore, there was a positive significant relationship between father and mother warmth and positive thinking with feminine and masculine gender identity of female adolescents (P < 0.050). The result of regression analysis showed that the four variables of mother warmth (β = 0.40, P < 0.001), father warmth (β = 0.23, P < 0.001), positive thinking (β = 0.21, P < 0.001), and mother support (β = 0.21, P < 0.001) could predict gender identity. Conclusion: According to the findings, it can be concluded that mother and father warmth, positive thinking, and mother support could predict gender identity. Therefore, based on our findings, we discuss the importance of perceived parenting style and positive thinking.

Keywords

• female
• adolescents
• gender identity
• parenting
• optimism