Relationship between Maternal Parenting Styles and Screen Sedentary Behavior among Male Adolescents in Punjab, India: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

A BSTRACT This study investigates the association between maternal parenting styles and screen sedentary behavior among adolescents in Punjab, India. Parenting styles influence children’s behaviors, while increasing sedentary screen use poses significant public health concerns. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 609 mothers of male adolescents aged 12–15 years in Punjab, India. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire using Google Forms. Parenting styles were assessed using the Parenting Style and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQfull version). Mothers reported their child’s average daily screen time, which was converted into weekly screen sedentary time (SSTweekly). Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were performed. The mean SSTweekly was 6.98 hours (SD = 3.45). The regression model was statistically significant (F = 12.798, P < 0.001), explaining 6% of the variance (R 2 = 0.060). Authoritative parenting was significantly and negatively associated with SSTweekly (B = −1.303, P < 0.001), whereas authoritarian and permissive styles were not significant predictors. Authoritative parenting is associated with lower screen sedentary behavior among adolescents. However, the modest explanatory power suggests that sedentary behavior is influenced by multiple factors beyond parenting style. Future research should incorporate additional determinants and more diverse populations.