Correlations Between Parenting Stress and Adolescents' Depression, Coping Responses, and Self-Concept

Abstract

This descriptive study aimed to explore the correlations between mothers’ parenting stress and adolescents’ coping responses, depression, and self-concept. Methods: Participants were 320 adolescents and their parents. The adolescents completed Self-concept Scale, Coping Responses, and Depression Scale-2, and their parents completed Parenting Stress Scale. Results: The adolescents used approach coping frequently and their depression was 54.87(±14.06). However, adolescents’ approach coping and overall self-concept were negatively correlated with parenting stress, and were significantly correlated with parenting stress in both mothers and fathers including depression. Mothers’ and fathers’ mean parenting stress scores and patterns were similar, but relationship patterns for parenting stress and adolescents’ Seeking Guidance subscale scores differed between mothers and fathers. Conclusion: These findings could be useful in supporting school-based mental health services for adolescents, through the development of parenting roles.