The impact of parental psychological control on externalizing problem behaviors in adolescents: the sequential mediating role of basic psychological need fulfillment and sense of defeat.

Introduction: Adolescent externalizing problem behaviors (EPBs) represent a significant public health issue, signaling potential future destructive behaviors, violence, drug abuse, and criminal activity among youth. The adolescent period is notably susceptible to these behaviors. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the multiple factors influencing EPBs and their interactive mechanisms to enable timely interventions and effective prevention strategies. This study is based on Self-Determination Theory and Defeat-Aggression Theory, hypothesizing that the fulfillment of basic psychological needs (BPNs) and the sense of defeat sequentially mediate the relationship between parental psychological control (PPC) and EPBs. Methods: Employing a class-cluster sampling method, this study selected 742 adolescents from a city in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region as participants. Data processing and analysis were conducted using SPSS 27.0. The analytical procedure commenced with descriptive statistics, including means and standard deviations, followed by Pearson correlation analysis and sequential mediation analysis. This study examines the relationship between PPC and EPBs and tests the sequential mediating roles of BPN fulfillment and sense of defeat. Result: After controlling for demographic variables, the findings are as follows: (1) PPC directly predicts EPBs; (2) PPC indirectly predicts EPBs through BPN fulfillment; (3) PPC indirectly influences EPBs by affecting the sense of defeat; (4) The sequential mediating roles of BPN fulfillment and sense of defeat also contribute to predicting EPBs from PPC, providing new insights for the prevention and intervention of these behaviors. Discussion: The results of this study demonstrate that adolescents' EPBs are significantly associated with PPC, the fulfillment of BPNs, and a sense of defeat. To mitigate the level of EPBs among adolescents, it is crucial for parents to exercise caution in applying psychological control. Parents should create an environment that promotes autonomy, offers robust support and encouragement, and closely monitors the fulfillment of adolescents' BPNs and their emotional well-being.