Role of Psychological Capital and Authoritative Parenting in the Relationshipof Spiritual Intelligence and Identity Development of Adolescents

Abstract

The present study investigates the role of authoritative parenting as a moderator and psychological capital as a mediating factor in the relationship between spiritual intelligence and adolescents' identity
development. Through transcendence, self-awareness, and meaning-making, it investigates how adolescent spiritual intelligence affects the development of their identity. Additionally, the study explores whether psychological capital such as optimism, hope, resilience, and self-efficacy improves this association. The study also investigates the ways in which authoritative parenting that is defined by compassion, responsiveness, and equitable control influences these pathways. There were two phases of
the study. To test the hypotheses, a pilot study with 100 participants was conducted in Phase 1, and then the main study with 300 adolescents (119 girls and 181 boys) was conducted. In a cross-sectional approach, standardized questionnaires assessing identity development, psychological capital, spiritual intelligence, and authoritative parenting were employed. Using SPSS Process Macro (Hayes, 2022), correlational, mediation, and moderation analyses were performed to assess the hypotheses. The findings showed that there was a positive correlation between each of the variables. Furthermore, psychological capital played a substantial mediating role in the link between spiritual intelligence and identity development. Authoritative parenting further moderates the relationship. These findings emphasize the significance of developing adolescents' psychological resources along with supportive parenting approaches, with implications for educational programs, parental guidance, and developmental assistance