Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences International Journal of Behavioral Sciences 2322-1194 20 1 2026 04 01 The Role of Parenting Styles in Predicting Children's Mental Health 57 62 250721 10.30491/ijbs.2026.580155.2319 EN Fateme Khosravi M.Sc. in Clinical Psychology, Hakim Toos Higher Education Institute, Mashhad, Iran 0009-0000-7836-7185 Ali Fathi Ashtiani Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. 0000-0001-6439-0560 Journal Article 2026 03 18 <strong>Introduction:</strong> This study aimed to identify which of the three Baumrind parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive) most strongly predicts children's mental health.<br><strong>Method:</strong> This descriptive-correlational study included 286 mothers of female elementary school students (fourth and fifth grades) in Mashhad, Iran. Participants completed the Baumrind Parenting Styles Questionnaire and the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-28). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation and simultaneous multiple regression.<br><strong>Results:</strong> Pearson correlation showed a significant positive relationship between authoritative style and mental health (r = 0.16, p < 0.05), and significant negative relationships for authoritarian (r = -0.34, p < 0.01) and permissive (r = -0.13, p < 0.05) styles. Multiple regression revealed that the three styles collectively explained 12.8% of the variance (R² = 0.12, F = 13.65, p < 0.001). Only authoritarian style independently predicted mental health (β = -0.30, p < 0.001). Authoritative (p = 0.179) and permissive (p = 0.174) styles were not significant after controlling for authoritarian style.<br><strong>Conclusion:</strong> In multiple regression analysis, only the authoritarian style independently predicted poorer mental health outcomes in children, highlighting it as the primary target for parent-focused interventions. https://www.behavsci.ir/article_250721_ddf32231fafc3fda4355f344568db4d2.pdf