Adolescent Identity Formation and Parental Influence: An Empirical Study in West Champaran

The study titled “Adolescent Identity Formation and Parental Influence: An Empirical Study in West Champaran” aimed to examine the dynamics of identity development among adolescents in relation to parental support and control, while also exploring gender and rural–urban variations. A sample of 69 adolescents (35 males, 34 females) aged 15–19 years was selected through random sampling from secondary, higher secondary, and early undergraduate students in West Champaran, Bihar. Standardized tools were used, including an Identity Formation Scale, Parental Influence Questionnaire, Psychological Distress Scale, and Coping Strategy Inventory. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests to compare psychosocial outcomes between male and female participants and between rural and urban adolescents. Findings indicated moderate levels of psychological distress across the sample, with a nearly balanced reliance on problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies. Female adolescents reported higher distress and stronger emotion-focused coping, while males demonstrated greater use of problem-focused coping. Rural adolescents exhibited slightly higher distress, whereas urban adolescents showed stronger identity commitment and coping efficiency. Although group differences did not reach statistical significance, effect sizes suggested meaningful developmental patterns. The results emphasize the importance of parental support and autonomy in shaping adolescent identity. The study’s implications extend to clinical psychology practice, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive counseling, and to adolescent health and TB management programs, where parental and peer support can reduce psychological burden and stigma, thereby improving overall well-being and treatment adherence.