The Influence of Fear of Negative Evaluation, Parenting Styles and Coping Techniques on Self-Disclosure to Parent and Psychological Health Among Emerging Adults of University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Southwest Nigeria

This study investigated the relationships between fear of negative evaluation, parenting style, coping techniques, self-disclosure, and psychological health among undergraduate and post-graduate students. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design to examine the influence of negative evaluation, parenting style, and coping techniques on self-disclosure to parents and psychological health among emerging adults at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State on 350 respondents using a purposive sampling technique. The study was guided by three hypotheses formulated in null forms. The results indicated that fear of negative evaluation, parenting style, and coping techniques were positively correlated with self-disclosure to parents. Additionally, coping strategies such as seeking help and discussing problems were found to be associated with higher levels of self-disclosure. On the other hand, fear of negative evaluation showed a negative correlation with self-disclosure. Individuals who experienced a fear of negative evaluation were hesitant to engage in self-disclosure due to anxiety about potential negative social judgments. Positive parenting styles characterized by emotional warmth and authoritative parenting were associated with better mental health among emerging adults. In contrast, authoritarian parenting styles were linked to poorer psychological health outcomes. The relationship between coping techniques and psychological health was not statistically significant. The study also revealed a positive but non-significant correlation between fear of negative evaluation and psychological health. This suggests that higher levels of anxiety associated with negative evaluation may have an impact on psychological well-being. Furthermore, the study found that fear of negative evaluation, parenting style, and coping techniques collectively and individually predicted self-disclosure to parents. Fear of negative evaluation and parenting style emerged as significant predictors while coping techniques did not contribute significantly. Gender differences in self-disclosure and psychological health were not significant, suggesting that self-disclosure to parents with their psychological health is unrelated to gender. And finally, no significant difference was found in self-disclosure with psychological health scores between undergraduate and post-graduate students. Based on these findings, it could be suggested that addressing fear of negative evaluation, promoting adaptive coping strategies, fostering supportive parenting styles, and facilitating self-disclosure within families are crucial steps toward enhancing the psychological health of emerging adults in Nigeria. By implementing targeted interventions and continuing to explore these dynamics, we can contribute to the well-being and resilience of future generations.