Stress in romantic relationships and adolescent depressive symptoms: Influence of parental support.

Abstract

It is well known that stressful life events can play a role in the development of adolescent depressive symptoms; however, there has been little research on romantic stress specifically. The relationship between romantic stress and depressive symptoms is particularly salient in adolescence, as adolescence often involves the onset of dating. This and other stressors are often dealt with in the context of the family. The present study examined the relationship between romantic stress and depressive symptoms both concurrently and prospectively, controlling for preexisting depressive symptoms. We then explored whether support from parents buffers the negative effects of romantic stress on depressive symptoms. In addition, the study sought to determine whether the benefits of support vary by parent and child gender. A community sample of 375 adolescents completed self-report measures of parental support (both maternal and paternal), romantic stress, and depressive symptoms. A behavioral measure of maternal support was also obtained. For boys and girls, romantic stress at age 15 predicted depressive symptoms at ages 15 and 18, even when controlling for age 13 depressive symptoms. Perceived maternal support buffered the stress-depressive symptom relationship for both genders at age 15, even when controlling for age 13 depressive symptoms. Higher perceived paternal support was associated with lower adolescent depressive symptoms; however, it did not have a buffering effect. These results have implications for the development of effective family-centered methods to prevent the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents.

Evaluating the Psychological Concomitants of Other-Sex Crush Experiences During Early Adolescence

“…Clearly the research on crush experiences during early adolescence would benefit from considering additional psychological outcomes, both concurrently and longitudinally. Thus, the present study extends past research by considering the concurrent and prospective associations between other-sex crush experiences during early adolescence and two psychological outcomes: loneliness and depressive symptoms, two of the most commonly considered outcomes in peer relations and romantic experience research (e.g., Anderson, Salk, & Hyde, 2015; Woodhouse, Dykas, & Cassidy, 2012). …”

The Effects of Parental Support and Self-Esteem on Internalizing Symptoms in Emerging Adulthood

“…Parental support and internalizing symptoms. Results demonstrated that maternal support, but not paternal support, was associated with increased internalizing symptoms in college students, consistent with previous work (Anderson et al, 2015). Mothers are often more involved in day-to-day activities throughout development (Lamb, 2002;Lewis et al, 1981).…”

“…These results highlight the importance of exploring the influence of different sources of support separately, and suggest that improving self-esteem for both men and women, and improving maternal support for women may decrease risk for internalizing symptoms in emerging adulthood. exception) and that maternal versus paternal support may play a more important role in protecting children from internalizing symptoms (Anderson, Salk, & Hyde, 2015). In addition, there may be differences in the levels of parental support perceived by men versus women.…”

Institutional Review Board: Ally Not Adversary

“…In addition to separating parents from other sources of support, it may be beneficial to explore the differences in the amount and function of support from mothers versus fathers. Evidence has suggested that mothers often provide higher levels of support compared to fathers (Furman & Buhrmester, 1992;Phares, Renk, Duhig, Fields, & Sly, 2009;see Colarossi & Eccles, 2000 for an exception) and that maternal versus paternal support may play a more important role in protecting children from internalizing symptoms (Anderson, Salk, & Hyde, 2015). In addition, there may be differences in the levels of parental support perceived by men versus women.…”