The influence of parenting style in childhood on adult depressed patients’ interpersonal relationships in the period of youth

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore the mediating effect of adolescent self and courage on the relationship between parenting style in childhood and adult depressed patients’ interpersonal relationships in the period of youth. METHODS: The study analyzed data from 651 depressed individuals using the Wang Weidong memory-tracing personality developmental inventory (WMPI) from the psychology department of Guang’anmen Hospital. RESULTS: The results of the study show a significant positive correlation between parenting style in childhood, adolescent self, courage, and adult depressed patients’ interpersonal relationships in the period of youth. Parenting style in childhood has a direct positive predictive effect on adult depressed patients’ interpersonal relationships in the period of youth. It also has an indirect effect on interpersonal relationships in the period of youth through three indirect pathways: the independent mediating effect of adolescent self, the independent mediating effect of adolescent courage, and the chain mediating effect of adolescent self and courage. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that parenting style in childhood plays an important role in shaping adult depressed patients’ interpersonal relationships in the period of youth. The relationship between parenting style in childhood and interpersonal relationships in the period of youth is influenced by the independent mediating effect of adolescent self and courage, as well as the chain mediating effect of adolescent self and courage. These findings have implications for the development of interventions and programs aimed at improving the mental health and well-being of depressed patients.