Interactive Effects of Perceived Parental Rearing Styles on Distress Tolerance and Psychological Distress in Pakistani University Students

Several empirical studies have linked parenting styles with different mental health consequences in samples from Western nations, with some studies also in East Asian countries. However, few studies have analyzed such associations specifically in South Asian countries such as Pakistan. Moreover, few studies have examined the potential interactive role of parental rearing practices by both parents in relation to distress tolerance and psychological distress. In the current study, we evaluated the interaction of mothers’ and fathers’ parenting styles in relation to distress tolerance and psychological distress in Pakistani university students. Three hundred university students were recruited using a stratified sampling strategy. Students completed measures of their mothers’ and fathers’ parenting styles (separately), their distress tolerance, and their general psychological distress. There was great similarity in respondents’ recollection of parenting styles by mothers and fathers. Results of regression analyses indicated that high parental rejection and overprotection were associated with poorer distress tolerance and greater psychological distress. Although the direct associations of emotional warmth with distress tolerance and psychological distress were small, emotional warmth interacted with other parenting styles, such that negative effects of parental rejection and overprotection were lessened in the context of higher emotional warmth.