Abstract:

Objective     To investigate the relationship between personality traits and parenting styles among university students. Methods      502 university students were surveyed using Cattell′s 16 Personality Factors (16PF) and Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran (EMBU). Results      Females scored significantly higher than males in warmth, sensitivity and apprehension, but lower in dominance and suspicion (P<0.01).  Students from urban areas scored significantly higher than those from rural areas in dominance, excitability, social boldness and sensitivity (P<0.05). Students′ stability, persistence and social boldness  correlated positively with positive parental emotions such as warmness and understanding, and negatively with negative parental behaviors such as heavy punishment and rejection (P<0.05). Students′ apprehension and tension  positively correlated with  heavy parental punishment and  over-protectiveness (P<0.01). These parental emotions and behaviors can be used to predict students′ personality traits. Conclusions       Positive parenting styles are beneficial to the formation of children′s health personality. There are some differences between males and females in  personality traits as influenced by  parenting styles.

Key words: University students; Personality traits; Parenting styles