Abstract Decision making is a task that individuals faceon a daily basis. The process of making a decision differs
from one person to another. The processes involved in making a decision are defined as decision making styles,which can be either adaptive or maladaptive. Children and adolescents’ decision making, however, often is thought to
be associated with parenting. This review examines and describes previous studies examining the associations be-tween decision making styles and parenting approaches. It suggests that maladaptive decision making styles are the
most prevalent, and that they often are associated with detrimental outcomes for children and adolescents’ development. Maladaptive decision making styles also areassociated with negative parenting approaches. The review
reveals that western and non-western societies play animportant role in shaping these associations; however, italso finds that age and gender do not play a significant role.The review highlights gaps in literature focusing on deci-sion making and parenting, and the continents where littleresearch has examined the associations presented. The re-view adds to current debates and knowledge on youthdevelopment by providing an understanding of decision
making styles from an international perspective as well as from the important role that parents play.Keywords Adolescence · Decision making · Decisionmaking styles · Parenting · Parenting approaches ·Systematic review