Parenting Styles and Aggression: The Mediating Role of Problem-Solving Styles

the aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of problem-solving styles in the relationship between parenting styles and aggression. Three hundred students (152 girls, 148 boys) were selected using multistage cluster sampling from Marvdasht high schools. The participants completed the Alabama΄s Parenting Styles (Frick, 1991), the Problem-Solving Styles (Cassidy & Long, 1996), and the Aggression Questionnaires (Buss & Perry, 1996). The results of path analysis indicated that punishment style significantly related to constructive and non-constructive problem-solving styles. Father΄s cooperation was related to constructive problem-solving style. Non-constructive problem-solving style was significantly related to aggression. Non-constructive problem-solving style mediated partially the relationship between punishment style and aggression. Research findings had theoretical and practical applications. The findings suggested reinforcing constructive problem-solving styles and appropriate parenting styles are related to lower aggression in students.