A STUDY ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FATHERS PARENTAL CONTROL AND DECISIONMAKING STYLE IN ADULTS

Decision-making is a critical psychological process that dictates long-term life outcomes and personal autonomy. While maternal influence is frequently studied, this research investigates the specific impact of paternal control, a significant authority figure in the Indian cultural context, on the decision-making styles of adults. The study utilized a descriptive, correlational design to explore how perceived paternal behavioral and psychological regulation during formative years relates to the adoption of Rational, Intuitive, Dependent, Avoidant, and Spontaneous decision-making patterns in adulthood. The sample consisted of 307 young adults (50.2% male and 49.8% female), aged 18 to 25, primarily based in Chennai. Data were collected using the Parental Control Scale (Father’s Form) and the General Decision Making Style (GDMS) scale. Statistical analysis revealed that high levels of restrictive paternal control are significantly associated with