Abstract
Different parenting styles allow children varying degrees of autonomy throughout all stages of childhood, influencing their self-esteem, self-actualization, and decision-making skills. Research indicates a positive correlation between autonomous parenting styles and children's well-being, encompassing their overall welfare, academic achievement, social values, and age-appropriate decision-making. However, there is limited research on how autonomous parenting relates to decision-making skills, which are vital for future leaders making sustainable choices in a complex and ever-changing world. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of levels of autonomous parenting styles received by undergraduate students on the extent of their decision-making proficiency. This study was guided by the hypothesis that parents who support autonomy enhance their college-aged children's decision-making skills. Specifically, higher perceived levels of autonomous parenting result in improved decision-making proficiency among college students. The study employed a quantitative method using a multivariate linear regression model, involving 380 college students aged 19-25 who were studying in the U.S. The findings indicated a statistically significant relationship between parental autonomy and decision-making abilities. These results remained consistent after controlling for variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, race, household income, GPA, and college year. This increases understanding of how autonomous parenting contributes to the successful completion of tasks and seeks to enhance understanding of how autonomous parenting benefits the development of decision-making skills in college students. Keywords: autonomous parenting styles, decision-making skills, college students, sustainable development