The effects of parental bonding on depression and self esteem in adolescence

Abstract

Depression and low self-esteem are the most important psychological disorders common among adolescents. But few studies have investigated the association between parental bonding patterns and depression and low self esteem in adolescents. The aim of this study was to detect the effects of parental bonding on depression and self esteem during adolescence in Bushehr in 2010. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 482 adolescents (246 females and 236 males) in the first grade at 8 high schools of Bushehr were selected according to cluster random sampling. A series of valid and reliable questionnaire by each subject including the Beck Depression Inventory, Cooper Smith Self esteem Inventory and Parental Bonding Inventory (PBI) were completed. Descriptive statistics and independent t-test were used for analysis of the data in SPSS 11.5. Results: Parental care was more associated with depression and low self esteem in both male and female adolescents than parental protection. An interactive combination of low care and high protection (affectionless control) revealed a significant relationship with depression and low self esteem in female adolescents. Conclusion: The results showed that a combination of low care and over-protection increases the risk of depression and low self-esteem in female adolescents. Optimum parental behavior is characterized by the behavior through which adolescents get a feeling of freedom, love and protection.