The Role of Parenting Styles and Sex Differences in Adolescents’ Depression

Relationship between Parenting Style, Interpersonal Conflict and Depression Symptom among University Students

“…According to the study of Radziszewska et al (1996), there is a significant effect of parenting style on depression symptom and conflict between family and adolescents. Similarly, Kugbey and Acharibasam (2016) found that adolescents' depression level is significantly influenced by parenting style and gender differences. As for the aspects of interpersonal conflict, Nazir and Mohsin (2013) reported that interpersonal conflict, coping styles and aggression predict depression significantly.…”

“…Both genders express emotions openly and do not suppress self-feelings can be attributed to the results of this study. Nonetheless, the cultural context of Malaysia is different from the cultural context of some other countries such as Ghana which is patrician and assumes that men should not cry or exhibit sad emotions in front of others (Kugbey & Acharibasam, 2016). Such cultural views result in men being more prone to emotional disorders such as depression.…”

“…This suggests that parents play an essential role in the mental health aspects of an individual. A study conducted by Kugbey and Acharibasam (2016) found a significant positive relationship between authoritarian and permissive parenting styles with adolescents' depression. Meanwhile, there was a significant negative relationship between authoritative parenting style and adolescents' depression.…”

“…Meanwhile, there was a significant negative relationship between authoritative parenting style and adolescents' depression. Kugbey and Acharibasam (2016) proposed that the relationship between authoritarian parents and children is usually characterized by constant conflict and punitive control. Consequently, although adolescents educated through authoritarian parenting style are not involved in problematic behaviours, they have poor social skills, low self-esteem and high levels of depression (McGinn, Cukor, & Sanderson, 2005;Mezulis, Hyde, & Abramson, 2006).…”

“…The researchers' view was supported by Baumrind's Parenting Style Theory which asserts that authoritarian parents have a high demanding nature but are less responsive to children. As a result, parental warmth, nurturance and communication towards children is lacking (Kugbey & Acharibasam, 2016). Authoritarian parenting styles are associated with depression due to strict rules, lack of freedom, and individuals' inability to comment or discuss with parents (Chaveepojnkamjorn et al, 2016).…”