A qualitative inquiry for exploring the role of parent-child relationships in shaping children’s personality development and their educational achievements in Punjab Province, Pakistan

Abstract

This study highlights the critical role of parent-child relationships in shaping children’s personality development and educational achievement within Punjab, Pakistan’s socio-cultural context. The primary objective is to examine how interconnected family and cultural factors including parental involvement, gender role orientations, income and academic opportunities, urban–rural parenting patterns, intergenerational moral formation, cultural and religious narratives, and family cohesion influence children’s emotional, moral, and cognitive growth. Using a qualitative design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with parents, teachers, and students from urban and rural areas, and analyzed inductively to ensure participants lived experiences shaped the thematic findings. Thematic analysis identified seven key patterns: parental involvement enhances emotional confidence and learning motivation; gender role orientations shape aspirations and self-concept; income and academic opportunities affect access to quality education; urban-rural parenting patterns balance independence with discipline; intergenerational moral formation instills empathy and ethical responsibility; cultural and religious narratives guide moral behavior and family values; and family cohesion fosters emotional security, resilience, and balanced personality development. Key findings indicate that active parental engagement strengthens self-esteem, empathy, and academic motivation, while traditional gender norms limit aspirations in rural settings; urban families increasingly emphasize equality and autonomy. The study recommends family-centered educational and social policies that integrate traditional moral frameworks with gender-sensitive, inclusive, and developmentally supportive parenting practices to promote children’s holistic growth in Punjab.

Keywords: Parent-child relationships, personality development, educational achievements, Punjab, Pakistan