Parenting Styles and Alcohol Use Among Hostellers and Non-Hostellers

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, permissive) and alcohol use among young adults, comparing hostellers (N = 50) and non-hostellers (N = 50) aged 18–25 in India. Using a cross-sectional design, participants completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Perceived Parenting Style Scale. Results revealed a significant positive correlation between permissive parenting and alcohol use (r = 0.228, p = 0.023), suggesting that lax parental discipline may enable risky drinking behaviors. Non-hostellers scored higher on authoritarian parenting (p = 0.031), possibly reflecting stricter household norms, while hostellers reported marginally higher (but non-significant) alcohol use, hinting at peer or environmental influences. Surprisingly, authoritarian and permissive styles were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.732, p < 0.001), challenging traditional dichotomies. The findings underscore the role of parenting in shaping alcohol-related behaviors, with permissiveness emerging as a risk factor. Cultural context, such as residential environment (hostel vs. family), further moderates these dynamics. Practical implications include targeted parenting programs to promote boundary-setting and university interventions for hostellers. Limitations include self-report bias and a modest sample size. Future research should explore longitudinal and cultural variations to clarify causality.