Abstract
Objective To investigate the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and self-efficacy beliefs in undergraduate medical students. Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered survey involving 315 Brazilian medical students was conducted online. The Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), and the general self-efficacy (GSE) scale were used. The internal consistency of the instruments used in the study was analyzed using Cronbach's alpha. Multiple logistic regression models were applied, and the odds ratios (OR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to determine the association between parental bonding styles and anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and general self-efficacy beliefs. Results In the analysis adjusted for sociodemographic variables, maternal affectionless control was associated with a greater risk of anxiety (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.15-5.33), depression (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.20-17.78), suicidal ideation (OR = 3.62; 95% CI: 1.58-8.27), and low self-efficacy (OR = 3.81; 95% CI: 1.76-8.25), while maternal neglectful parenting was associated with depression (OR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.17-8.96) and paternal affectionate constraint with suicidal ideation (OR = 3.09; 95% CI: 1.36-7.02). Conclusions These findings showed dysfunctional parenting styles to be associated with mental illnesses and low self-efficacy in Brazilian undergraduate medical students. This should be taken into consideration when treating medical students with mental disorders.
Highlights
The high prevalence of mental disorders in undergraduate medical students has become a health concern worldwide [1]
The link to participate in the study was sent to all 656 students who were formally enrolled at that institute, with eligibility consisting of being ≥18 years of age
Anxiety was found in 38.4% of the students, depression in 47.3%, and suicidal ideation in 36.2%
Summary
The high prevalence of mental disorders in undergraduate medical students has become a health concern worldwide [1]. Mental disorders may exert a negative impact on the academic performance [5] and the quality of life of medical students [2]. These disorders often persist during professional life, reflecting on the care doctors will offer to their patients [1]. Sociodemographic characteristics such as sex, skin color, and monthly family income [2], as well as personal issues and health status [6], have been reported as factors associated with anxiety and depression in medical students.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
