Abstract

In recent years, social and cultural norms have evolved together with accelerated changes in our society. These changes have, in turn, influenced children’s expectations of their parents. While mothers have been considered primary caregivers for centuries and are often considered more influential than fathers, fathers also attempt to act in the best interests of their children. This study examined selected long-term outcomes of parenting by mothers and fathers on young adults. An online survey was conducted in the Midwest, USA, to assess young adult's retrospective perceptions of the parenting they received from their parents (N = 1,208). Path analysis was used to examine paternal and maternal parenting effects on the young adults’ developmental outcomes. Respondents’ perceptions of father availability were examined in relation to perceptions of parents’ parenting quality. Paternal parenting and maternal parenting had different roles in shaping young adult respondents’ self-esteem, socio-emotional maturity, academic attitude, and self-efficacy. Implications of these findings for supporting effective parents are discussed.