Parenting practices as a predictor of attitudes towards peace: Mediating role of emotional regulation strategies among university students

Abstract

This study examined the role of parenting practices as a predictor of attitudes towards peace among university students through the mediating role of emotional regulation. The study was based on a cross-sectional research design and used the short form of Egna Minnen Betraffande Uppfostran-Short Form (S-EMBU), Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Peace Attitudes Scale to measure parenting practices, emotional regulation, and attitudes towards peace. A sample of 468 university students comprises Men = 219 (47.8%) and Women = 249 (52.2%) from BS, MS/M. Phil. and Ph.D. were taken from different universities in Lahore, Islamabad, Multan, and Rawalpindi. The sample's age range was 18-30 years (M = 22.61, SD = 3.03). Analysis was carried out through the SPSS version 26. The regression analysis findings show that rejection by parents appears to be the strongest negative predictor of attitudes towards peace, followed by cognitive appraisal (an emotional regulation strategy), a positive predictor. Emotional warmth by parents also appeared to be a significant predictor for a. However, expressive suppression and overprotection are not predicting attitudes towards peace. Cognitive appraisal significantly mediated the pathways between parenting practices and attitudes towards peace. Findings can be utilized to develop interventions for parents and youth to foster positive attitudes towards parents.