The relationship between parental overprotection and student depression: The chain mediation role of psychological control and well-being.

This study investigated the relationship between parental overprotection and adolescent depressive symptoms, focusing on the chain mediation roles of psychological control and well-being. Using a survey-based design with a convenience sample of 823 adolescents aged 10-14, data were collected through...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Shuyu Huang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Public Library of Science (PLoS) 2025-01-01
Series:PLoS ONE
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0328498
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Summary:This study investigated the relationship between parental overprotection and adolescent depressive symptoms, focusing on the chain mediation roles of psychological control and well-being. Using a survey-based design with a convenience sample of 823 adolescents aged 10-14, data were collected through validated scales measuring parental overprotection, psychological control, well-being, and depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis, conducted with the PROCESS macro for SPSS, revealed that parental overprotection exerts a significant positive effect on adolescent depression. Specifically, parental overprotection increases psychological control, which in turn reduces well-being, thereby exacerbating depressive symptoms. These findings underscore the importance of balanced parenting practices that limit psychological control and promote adolescent autonomy and well-being. Educators and mental health professionals are encouraged to collaborate with families to reduce overprotective behaviors and enhance adolescents' resilience against depressive symptoms.
ISSN:1932-6203