BY LEILA EL-DEAN
The difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles boils down to independence, with authoritarian parenting lacking autonomy, freethinking, and support, which can lead to low self-esteem or aggression in adulthood due to the fear-based upbringing often associated with shyness and social inadequacy.
Shyness and being a social butterfly are generally incompatible, with shyness often stemming from low self-esteem, fear of judgment, and a difficulty in trusting others due to a fear-based upbringing, leading to self-consciousness, a warped sense of self, and potentially engaging in unrealistic social comparisons in adulthood.
In the era of smartphones and social media, social comparison is pervasive, accounting for up to 12% of our daily thoughts, but for individuals raised by demanding or controlling parents, it can lead to long-term approval-seeking behavior and a struggle to make decisions independently, as their self-esteem and sense of self-worth were often undermined in childhood.
Childhood without freedom to make decisions, whether good or bad, hinders personal growth and development, and while well-intentioned, overprotective parenting can leave individuals ill-prepared for the challenges of adulthood, leading to indecisiveness and a lack of problem-solving skills.
While fear is a normal emotion, when it obstructs progress due to childhood experiences, such as trauma or a restrictive upbringing, leading to a fear of failure and a pressure to be perfect, it can contribute to issues like depression and anxiety, as suggested by psychologist Chris Meno.
Lack of childhood freedom, particularly under authoritarian parenting, can lead to various issues, including depression, as it often hinders emotional expression and decision-making autonomy, preventing individuals from building confidence in their abilities.
Adult Child Syndrome, also known as Peter Pan or Wendy syndrome, refers to a condition where individuals lack emotional maturity to function as adults, often resulting from overparenting in childhood, leading to difficulties in decision-making, responsibility, and managing consequences.