Unique and Shared Aspects of Affective Symptomatology: The Role of Parental Bonding in Depression and Anxiety Symptom Profiles

Prior research has found an association between parental bonding and depression and anxiety. Specifically, low levels of care and high levels of overprotection have been associated with increased risk for developing depression and anxiety. However little research has explored the relationship between factors of parental bonding and specific aspects of depression and anxiety. The present study investigated these relationships in a sample of undergraduate students (n = 680) who reported a range of affective symptomatology. Lower levels of maternal care were associated with negative beliefs about the self, negative interactions with others and fatigue; lower levels of maternal and paternal care were associated with generalized fear. Maternal overprotection was associated with physical symptoms of anxiety and a fear of dying, whereas paternal overprotection was a significant predictor of negative beliefs about the self and difficulty maintaining steadiness when anxious. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the role of parenting in the development of vulnerability to affective symptomatology.