Link of negative core beliefs about the self with perceived dysfunctional parenting

Abstract

Cognitive theory posits the central role of negative core beliefs about the self in cognitive vulnerabilities to depression, and this position is supported by empirical studies. It is also hypothesized that these core beliefs develop as a result of negative interactions with significant others in early life. To test the hypothesis that negative core beliefs about the self are formed by dysfunctional parenting, we examined their relations with perceived parental rearing. The subjects were 355 Japanese healthy volunteers. Core beliefs of negative-self were assessed by the corresponding subscale of the Brief Core Schema Scales. Perceived parental care and protection were evaluated by the corresponding subscales of the Parental Bonding Instrument. In both multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling, core beliefs of negative-self were predicted by perceptions of high maternal protection and low paternal care. The present study shows that negative core beliefs about the self are linked with perceived dysfunctional parenting, suggesting that the formation mechanism of these core beliefs is at least partly ascribable to dysfunctional parenting.