engleski

Depressive symptoms in young people: The role of parental behavior and romantic relationship status

Emerging adulthood can be a vulnerable period for developing psychological problems, including depression. Although the role of relationship with parents to depression in children and adolescents is well documented, there is an increased interest in analyzing the effects of these relationships among young people. Furthermore, involvement in romantic relationship as an important developmental task can also significantly contribute to well-being. Since depressive symptoms are more common among females, the effects of social relationships on depressive symptoms may be gender specific. The main aim of this study was to examine the contribution of parental behavior and romantic relationship status on depressive symptoms in young males and females. Perceived Parental Autonomy Support Scale (P-PASS) that assess autonomy-supportive and controlling parenting behaviors (separately for mothers and fathers) and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were applied. Three hundred seventy-nine high-school graduate students and college students (76.5 % females) participated in the study (mean age: 20, 70, SD: 2, 83). Results of hierarchical regression analyses show different role of specific parental behaviors and romantic relationship status in females and males. For males, controlling fathers’ behavior (e.g. threats to punish, performance pressures, guilt-inducing criticisms) was single significant positive predictor of depression. In females, autonomy- supportive behaviors of fathers (e.g. choice within certain limits, rationale for demands and limits, acknowledgement of feelings) and having a romantic relationship were negative predictors of depression. The study confirms the importance of examining the role of close relationships in depressive symptoms among young people.

Depressive symptoms ; young people ; parental behaviour ; relationship status

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