Abstract:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parenting styles and prosocial
behaviors among adolescents in some selected secondary schools of Harar city. Quantitative
data were collected through questionnaires from 230adolescents who were selected by stratified
random sampling. The study was employed correlation research design. The data analysis used
statistical techniques like percentage, Independent sample t-test, Pearson correlation and
multiple regression analysis. The correlation result indicated only two significant correlation
were found. That is, authoritarian parenting style was significantly and positively correlated
with anonymous prosocial behavior (df= 228, r= .133, p= .044) and uninvolved parenting style
was significantly and positively correlated with dire prosocial behavior (r= .141, p=
.033).Multiple Regression analysis was performed and there was statistically significant
contribution of parenting styles to prosocial behavior of students’ F= .357, P < 0.05. There was
no statistically significant gender difference in overall pro-social behavior t (228) =.308, p
=.764. However, there was significant mean difference between male and female adolescent
students on altruism and public sub-type of pro-social behavior. Female adolescents were scored
higher on mean score of altruism pro-social behavior(M = 3.44) than male(M = 2.80)
adolescents. As well as male adolescents were scored higher on mean score of public pro-social
behavior(M = 2.40) than female adolescents(M = 1.75).The current study has recommended that
parents, schools, government and non-government sectors and practitioners who are concerned
about promoting adolescents’ positive behaviors and performance and discouraging negative
behaviors.
