Perception of Parental Authority among Adolescent School Children who are Victims of Displacement

Abstract

Objective: Identify the styles of parental socialization perceived by adolescent school children in a vulnerable sector of the population in Villavicencio (Colombia) that is a victim of displacement due to armed conflict. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive quantitative study. The total population of adolescents between 12 and 19 years of age who were enrolled in the sector (n = 184) was taken as a sample. The Parental Socialization Scale in Adolescence (ESPA 29) was applied during 2015. In this case, the adolescent values the reaction of each parent in response to 29 everyday situations. Results: Each parent was classified according to a particular socialization or parenting style. There were four possible options: male adolescents in general perceived more lenient styles in their parents and more authoritative styles in their mothers; adolescents perceived more authoritative styles in their mothers and more authoritarian or negligent styles in their parents. The population, in general, perceives parents as being associated more with dialogue and affection, with a socialization pattern closer to acceptance-involvement. Conclusions: Adolescents of both sexes perceive a parenting style that is more authoritative and indulgent than authoritative or negligent. They perceive family socialization based more on dialogue and affection than on lack of concern and indifference, which is a protective factor for this population.