Parent-Child Relationship, Aggression and Satisfaction with Life among Adolescents: A Correlational Study

Abstract

Parent and child relationship of childhood influences aggression and satisfaction with life among individuals. Grounded in attachment and developmental theories, the present research explores whether relational experiences with parents function as predictors of anger expression and overall subjective well-being. The sample comprised a total of 100 participants aged 12 to 18 years. Parent–adult–child relationship refers to the perceived quality of emotional closeness, support, responsibility, and control experienced between adolescents and their parents. Aggression refers to behaviours and emotional tendencies such as anger, irritability, verbal arguments, hostility, and physical expressions of frustration directed toward others. Satisfaction with life represents an individual’s cognitive evaluation of overall quality of life and subjective well-being. To assess these variables, three standardized instruments designed for this age group were administered: the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), the Parent–Adult–Child Relationship Scale (PACQ), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). The findings indicated a significant positive relationship between parent–adult–child relational difficulties and aggression for both parents. A negative association was observed between relational difficulties and life satisfaction, with the father–child relationship showing a stronger and statistically significant effect. The study provides insight for educators, mental health professionals, and caregivers seeking to reduce aggression and promote well-being through improved parent and child interaction.

Introduction

The text examines the impact of parent–child relationship quality on adolescent aggression and life satisfaction, emphasizing its long-term influence on psychological and social development. Early family interactions play a crucial role in shaping emotional regulation, personality development, coping skills, and interpersonal relationships. Secure, warm, and supportive parent–child bonds promote resilience, empathy, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. In contrast, neglectful, inconsistent, or hostile parenting is associated with aggression, emotional dysregulation, lower well-being, and dissatisfaction with life.

The literature review highlights that attachment theory, social learning theory, intergenerational transmission theory, and parenting style theory explain how early experiences influence later outcomes. Exposure to harsh parenting, family conflict, abuse, or neglect increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in adolescence and adulthood. Children may learn aggression through observation and imitation of caregivers. Conversely, authoritative parenting—characterized by warmth, consistency, and appropriate control—supports healthy socio-emotional development and protects against maladaptive behaviors.

Regarding life satisfaction, research shows that secure attachment and positive parental relationships are linked to higher happiness, optimism, resilience, and overall well-being in adulthood. Negative childhood experiences, such as emotional neglect or conflict, are associated with lower self-esteem and reduced life satisfaction.

The theoretical framework integrates Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, Harlow’s Contact Comfort Theory, and Baumrind’s Parenting Styles Theory, suggesting that secure attachment and authoritative parenting function as protective factors, while insecure attachment and maladaptive parenting increase vulnerability to aggression and lower life satisfaction.

The study aims to examine:

1. The correlation between parent–adult child relationship quality and aggression.

2. The correlation between parent–adult child relationship quality and life satisfaction.

It uses a quantitative correlational design with a sample of 100 adolescents (ages 12–18) selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected online using standardized tools:

• Parent–Adult Child Relationship Questionnaire (PACQ)

• Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ)

• Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS)

The overall rationale emphasizes that understanding parent–child relationship quality is essential because it simultaneously influences both aggressive behavior and psychological well-being, highlighting the need to study these outcomes within an integrated developmental framework.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that poor parent–adult child relationships are significantly associated with increased aggression among adolescents, while satisfaction with life is particularly influenced by the quality of the father–child relationship. These findings highlight the enduring psychological significance of early relational experiences in shaping adolescent behaviour and well-being. By emphasizing the importance of healthy parent–child interactions, the study contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescent adjustment within the family context. Although limited by time and cultural factors, the results offer meaningful insights for future research and practical interventions aimed at fostering healthier developmental outcomes.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Mahima Singh, Namita Srivastava . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.