Authoritarian parenting linked to depression in teens
Depression links
A new study has found that parenting style plays a major role in shaping adolescent mental health.
Researchers in Nepal discovered that authoritarian parenting increases the risk of depression and low self-esteem, while authoritative parenting offers protective benefits against depression, anxiety and stress.
The research, led by Rabina Khadka, a public health lecturer at the Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences in Kathmandu, surveyed 583 school-going adolescents in Bheemdatt Municipality.
The findings, published in PLOS One, also highlighted broader concerns about adolescent mental health, with anxiety affecting 42.19% of teens, depression 37.39% and stress 24.69%, although 69.3% reported high self-esteem.
Participants were asked about their mental health, perceived parenting style, and personal factors such as age, gender and family situation. The study found that the majority of adolescents perceived their parents as authoritative (83.2%), followed by permissive (56.6%) and authoritarian (43.6%).
The researchers said: “These findings highlight the crucial role of parental involvement and support in shaping adolescent mental health, underscoring the need for positive parenting practices to improve mental health outcomes for adolescents.”
The study also emphasised the importance of social support and school environments. Victims of bullying and teens who lacked close relationships were more likely to experience mental health problems.
pThe researchers recommend measures such as supporting parents to adopt authoritative practices and implementing school-based mental health programmes, including anti-bullying interventions and student counselling.
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