Adolescent mental health is a global concern. Understanding contributing factors to this phenomenon is essential for intervention. This study aimed to assess the correlation between parenting styles and depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviour, among rural South African adolescents.
A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed using standardised questionnaires to measure adolescents' depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviours in relation to their parents' parenting styles. A total of 500 adolescents aged 13-19 years participated in the study. Data were analysed using Pearson correlation in IBM SPSS Statistics version 30.


The findings revealed significant relationships between parenting styles and adolescents' psychological functioning. Authoritarian parenting style was positively correlated with depression (r = .40, p < .000), anxiety (r = .37, p < .000), and suicidal behaviour (r = .42, p < .000), while uninvolved parenting style was also positively correlated with depression (r = .37, p < .000), anxiety (r = .30, p < .000), and suicidal behaviour (r = .46, p < .000). Conversely, authoritative parenting style was negatively correlated with depression (r = -.39, p < .000), anxiety (r = -.40, p < .000), and suicidal behaviour (r = -.27, p < .000). Similarly, permissive parenting style showed negative correlations with depression (r = -.21, p < .000), anxiety (r = -.28, p < .000), and suicidal behaviour (r = -.12, p < .000).
The study highlights the critical role of parenting styles in shaping adolescent mental health outcomes. Authoritative and permissive parenting practices appear to serve as protective factors, whereas authoritarian and uninvolved approaches elevate the risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviour. Promoting positive and supportive parenting interventions may enhance the effectiveness of mental health prevention strategies for rural adolescents.