In addition to the impact authoritarian parenting has on the current relationship with their parents
and their relationship with God, children who grow up in this type of home often experience
long-term emotional consequences. These children often have poor social skills, low self-esteem,
anger and higher rates of depression and anxiety. In addition, although they may remain
compliant, they can develop an overall mistrust of authority.
There are many reasons why these issues may develop in children with authoritarian parents. In
an authoritarian home, compliance is expected, while independence is discouraged. Because they
are taught to follow rules rather than take initiative, they are more capable of following
instructions than becoming leaders. They are taught what to think rather than how to think. As a
result, these children remain dependent emotionally into adulthood, sometimes even living in the
parental home long after what would be considered emotionally healthy. This lack of
independence, both emotional and physical, can result in low self-esteem.