The relationship between parenting style and depressive symptoms during adolescence

Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom

^* Corresponding author: u2136255@warwick.ac.uk

Abstract

This review explores the effects of parenting styles and attachment on adolescent mental health. Parents are key to shaping the lives of adolescents, and different parenting styles can affect different outcomes. Psychologist Baumrind’s typology of parenting, which includes authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles, is the focus of the research. Adolescence is a pivotal phase, marked by major transitions such as the onset of puberty, and is both vulnerable and potentially amenable to interventions. Negative parenting styles, excessive parental expectations, and maladaptive attributional styles are associated with depressive symptoms. Positive parenting styles, including attentive parenting and self-compassion, are protective of adolescent development. The role of parental expectations and self-esteem in adolescent mental health is emphasised. It recognised the influence of culture on these dynamics and the need for targeted interventions. Furthermore, the way parents and adolescents perceive parenting styles, as well as the disparities between these perceptions, may have an impact on the mental health outcomes of adolescents. The influence of attachment styles, notably towards parents, significantly impacts depressive symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood. This review can contribute to future intervention efforts and prevention strategies in adolescent mental health with this review paper.