A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master Of Arts in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology at the University of Zululand, 2017 / This study examined the young adults views on parenting styles in uMlazi KwaZulu-Natal.The main objectives of the study were: 1) to explore young adults’ views on the type of parenting styles that they have been brought up with; 2) to find out if there are any differences in the parenting styles from the views of young adults raised by single or both parents and 3) to explore how parenting style has influence the developmental outcome of young adults. A sample of twelve (12) young adults raised by either parents or a single parent from birth to at least 18 years were conveniently selected to participate in the study. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect data and the transcribed data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings suggest that the majority of the young adults have been raised by authoritative parents. A good quality relationship between parents and young adults was found to have made a significant difference in the young adults’ lives as it has taught them to be independent, self-sufficient, perform well at school and aspire to be great individuals in the community. It was also observed that authoritative parenting style proved to be the optimal parenting style which majority of the participants preferred to adopt and use on their children. These findings underscore the need for community counsellors to provide relationship training/ family therapy to help families with parental problems.