Publication Date
2025
Advisor(s) - Committee Chair
Sarah Bonis, Carl Myers, Ayaka Hisanaga-Probst
Degree Program
Department of Psychology
Degree Type
Specialist in Education
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to answer the question: How have societal changes in the 21st century that include changing parental norms contributed to the development of social competence? This study explores the evolving concept of the development of social competence in the context of the 21st century. Social competence, defined as the ability to engage effectively in social interactions, is shaped by various factors within family, school, and community environments. Significant societal changes, including shifts in parenting norms, technological advancements, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, have influenced the development of social competence in recent decades. This systematic review synthesizes research on the effects of these societal changes, focusing on the influence of changing parental norms on the development of social competence. Findings have indicated that the increased presence of parenting styles, such as lawnmower and helicopter parenting, an increase in same sex parenting, and changes in family structure has impacted the development of social competence.
Disciplines
Developmental Psychology | Psychology | School Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Mitchell, Kaitlyn, "THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL COMPETENCE IN THE 21ST CENTURY" (2025). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 3805.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/3805