Does Emotional Dependence and Perceived Parental Acceptance Predict Children's Psychological Maladjustment?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo analyze associations among child dependence, perceived parental acceptance, and children's psychological adjustment.BackgroundExtreme levels of both perceived parental acceptance and rejection are postulated to be associated with dependence in such a way that may lead to psychological maladjustment. However, this influence has not been empirically tested to date.MethodA convenience sample of 989 children (9–16 years of age, 45.7% boys) in Spain completed the Personality Assessment Questionnaire, the Youth Self Report (YSR), and the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire for children. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and hierarchical multiple regressions.ResultsChild dependence and parental acceptance had a curvilinear relationship and were both associated with children's psychological maladjustment. Children's dependence, family structure, and children's age moderated the relationship between parental rejection and children's maladjustment.ConclusionResults provide empirical support for the postulated relationships between perceived parental acceptance and child dependence and show the relevance of considering children's age and family structure as potential moderators. Furthermore, child dependence tends to buffer the impact of parental rejection in certain individuals.ImplicationsChild dependence and parental rejection should be considered together in parenting intervention programs. Moreover, promoting dependence could be part of this intervention in certain family settings.