THE IMPACT OF PARENTING STYLES ON CHILDREN'S EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

This article explores the profound influence that parenting styles have on the development of children's emotional intelligence (EI). Emotional intelligence, which refers to the capacity to perceive, understand, manage, and utilize emotions effectively, plays a central role in a child's mental health, social functioning, and academic achievement. Drawing upon foundational psychological theories and recent empirical research, this study categorizes parenting styles into four key types—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful—and analyzes their respective effects on children's emotional competencies. It finds that emotionally supportive and structured parenting (authoritative) significantly enhances EI, while controlling or neglectful parenting can lead to emotional suppression, low empathy, and poor self-regulation. The article concludes with practical recommendations for parents, educators, and mental health professionals.