Impact of Perceived Parental Support on Resilience: Mediating Role of Intrinsic Life Aspirations in Young Adults

This study examines the influence of perceived parental support on resilience in Indian young adults aged 18–23, with intrinsic life aspirations as a mediator. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 331 participants who completed the Perception of Parents Scale (POPS), Aspiration Index (AI), and Bharathiar University Resilience Scale (BURS). Results revealed significant positive relationship between cumulative parental support and resilience (r = 0.329, p < .001), partially mediated by intrinsic aspirations, particularly community contributions and relationships. However, personal growth did not significantly predict resilience (β = -0.0799, p = 0.232), suggesting it may emerge from, rather than contribute to, resilience. Gender differences were observed, with males benefiting more from maternal support and females from paternal support. These findings underscore the importance of balanced parental support and intrinsic aspirations in fostering resilience, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions.