Impact of Strict Parenting to the Academic Anxiety of the Pre-Service English Teachers

Academic anxiety, driven by fear of failure and parental expectations, significantly impairs students' academic performance and future opportunities. In this study, the researchers aimed to investigate the impact of strict parenting on academic anxiety among BSEd-English students at Cebu Normal University Main Campus. They acknowledged the significant influence of parental expectations and the fear of failure on students' academic performance and overall opportunities. Employing a descriptive correlational design, the study explored various facets of strict parenting, including expectations, discipline, communication, and family climate, to unveil their effects on academic anxiety. The research encompassed 80 BSED English students selected through stratified random sampling. Statistical tools such as the Pearson Product-Moment Coefficient of Correlation, Mean, and Standard Deviation were employed to analyze the data. The findings illuminated how different parenting styles shaped the development of academic anxiety. Specifically, permissive parenting was associated with unruly and delinquent behaviors, while authoritarian parenting resulted in decision-making difficulties, risk aversion, and low self-esteem. In contrast, authoritative parenting was linked to positive outcomes, including effective communication, collaboration, and sound decision-making within reasonable boundaries. Despite inherent limitations, this study provided valuable recommendations for parents, with a particular emphasis on authoritative parenting. It suggested interventions like Parental Counseling Seminars, Academic Anxiety Support Groups for Students, and Parent-Teacher Counseling Sessions. These initiatives aimed to create a supportive environment that addressed academic anxiety and nurtured students' self-esteem.