The Role of Attachment Styles and Parenting Styles on Gen Z's Resilience in The Workplace

This study examines the extent to which attachment styles and perceived parenting styles predict psychological resilience among Generation Z individuals in the workplace. The research was conducted to address prevailing narratives that characterize Generation Z as less resilient when facing professional demands, by empirically exploring the role of early relational experiences in shaping adaptive capacity. A quantitative correlational design was employed with a sample of 311 Generation Z participants who had been actively working for a minimum of six months. Data were collected through an anonymous online questionnaire. Attachment styles were measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships–Revised (ECR-R), assessing attachment anxiety and avoidance. Perceived parenting styles were measured using the Perceived Parenting Styles Questionnaire (PSQ), capturing dimensions of parental responsiveness and control. Psychological resilience was assessed using the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with JASP software. The results indicated that attachment styles and parenting styles jointly predicted resilience levels among Gen Z workers. Parenting styles emerged as the strongest predictor, suggesting that supportive and structured parenting experiences play a crucial role in fostering resilience in early adulthood. Attachment insecurity showed a significant negative association with resilience, indicating that internal working models formed through early relationships remain relevant in the workplace context. Overall, this study highlights the lasting influence of family-related psychological foundations on resilience and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of individual differences in Generation Z’s adjustment to work-related challenges.