Parental Psychological Control and Gender: Adolescents’ Perceptions in Cuenca

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18537/mskn.16.02.08

Keywords:

gender socialization, parenting practices, parent-adolescent relationship, upbringing, parental control

Abstract

Parental psychological control negatively affects the social and emotional development of adolescents, limiting their autonomy and adaptation. This study analyzed parental psychological control based on the role of parents and the gender of 513 high school adolescents from public and private high schools in Cuenca, Ecuador. The study used a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional, and descriptive approach, applying the Psychological Control Scale Oriented to Dependency and Achievement. The results reveal greater parental control towards sons and significant differences in achievement-oriented control, with fathers tending to exert greater pressure than mothers. The conclusions highlight the importance of researching gender-sensitive upbringing to promote more equitable parenting practices.

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Author Biographies

Gissell Alejandra Yanza Martínez, University of Cuenca

Psychologist. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Cuenca.

Nube del Rocio Arpi Peñaloza, University of Cuenca

Psychologist. University professor at the University of Cuenca. Master's Degree in Educational Psychology and Human Development in Multicultural Contexts. University of Valencia.

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Published

2025-12-29

How to Cite

Yanza Martínez, G. A., Paucar Peralta, P. L., & Arpi Peñaloza, N. del R. (2025). Parental Psychological Control and Gender: Adolescents’ Perceptions in Cuenca. Maskana, 16(2), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.18537/mskn.16.02.08

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Section

Research articles