The purpose of this study is to examine the sequential mediating effects of self-differentiation and self-esteem on the relationship between perceived parenting style and marriage image among unmarried adults. Data were collected from 329 unmarried adults. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted using SPSS 24.0, and a sequential mediation model was tested using PROCESS Macro (Model 6). The results indicate that parenting style, self-differentiation, self-esteem, and marriage image were all positively and significantly correlated with one another. Furthermore, self-differentiation and self-esteem sequentially mediated the relationship between parenting style and marriage image. Specifically, individuals who perceived their parents’ parenting style as more accepting reported higher levels of self-differentiation, which in turn enhanced self-esteem and ultimately contributed to the formation of a more positive marriage image. Based on these findings, implications for counseling and educational interventions are discussed, along with limitations of the study and suggestions for future research.