South Africa has a tough economic and social environment that requires people to be strong and adaptable to deal with everyday challenges. Learning how parenting affects resilience can help create better strategies to support young people. However, there has been little research on how different parenting styles influence resilience in South African university students, particularly those who show high resilience.

Parenting styles significantly influence the development of resilience, which is defined as the ability to succeed and adapt positively despite adverse circumstances. In the South African context, resilience is critical, given the socioeconomic challenges many individuals face. Support by parents, both biological and non-biological, plays a central role in fostering resilience by promoting healthy coping mechanisms and addressing inequities.

A research study funded by the NRF explored the parenting styles experienced by highly resilient South African university students to identify the key practices contributing to their resilience. To achieve the study aims, the researchers studied 136 South African university students aged 18–23 (female = 44.9%, black = 66.9%), who completed the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28). Quantitative data were analysed to identify students with the highest resilience scores, followed by in-depth interviews with six of these participants to explore their retrospective parenting experiences. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring parenting styles.

The research findings revealed that female participants scored higher on the CYRM-28 than males, with a mean resilience score of 148.97. This finding aligns with global trends in resilience studies. The range of resilience scores was 97 to 185, with a standard deviation of 17.72, showing variability across the sample. Participants consistently reported that their caregivers were supportive, encouraging, and attentive.

Parental affection was expressed through small but consistent actions, creating a sense of unconditional support. Education and self-improvement were strongly emphasised, with caregivers encouraging ambition and fostering resilience. Emotional support was also a common theme, as parents provided comfort during difficult times, modelled effective coping strategies, and promoted self-confidence. Additionally, caregivers demonstrated concern for the participants’ overall well-being by monitoring their needs and ensuring their safety.

Discipline was also highlighted as an important parenting practice. Caregivers instilled discipline through verbal guidance, curfews, and, in some cases, corporal punishment. Conversations were often used to correct behaviour and teach values, grounded in cultural or religious principles. Participants generally viewed the enforcement of boundaries, such as curfews, as protective rather than restrictive, allowing them to develop independence and respect within a safe framework.

The study identified two primary parenting styles; the loving caregiving and the behavioural control, that contribute to resilience:

1. Loving caregiving fosters emotional security and self-esteem; and
2. Behavioural control establishes boundaries that promote independence and respect.

These findings align with global research linking authoritative and supportive parenting to resilience, while also reflecting specific cultural practices relevant to the South African context. The findings suggest that resilience is bolstered by parenting styles characterised by love, encouragement, and effective discipline. Programs aimed at enhancing resilience should emphasise nurturing environments and culturally relevant parenting practices.