DOI: 10.4103/ijcp.ijcp_2_26 ISSN: 0303-2582

Association of Parental Bonding and Personality Factors in Persons with Mild Depression

Saloni Chhabra, Satyam, Ram Pratap Beniwal
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Abstract

Background:

Worldwide, depression is a common mental health problem. The dynamics of parental relationships and personality characteristics are important psychosocial elements that affect the onset and persistence of depressive symptoms. This study aims to explore the association between parental bonding and personality factors in persons with mild depression.

Method:

A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 78 participants of any gender aged 18–60 years, who were clinically diagnosed with mild depression based on International Classification of Diseases 11 th Revision criteria. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Parental Bonding Instrument, and 16 Personality Factor questionnaire were administered for evaluation. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed.

Results:

Increased scores for father care were significantly correlated ( r = −0.295, P < 0.01) to lower levels of depression, while higher scores for father and mother protection were positively correlated ( r = 0.358, P < 0.01; r = 0.261, P < 0.01, respectively) with depression. In terms of personality factors, apprehension served as a positive predictor (β = 0.188, P = 0.010) of depression, whereas privateness acted as a negative predictor (β = −0.183, P = 0.021). The regression analysis explained 26.1% of the variance in depression scores.

Conclusion:

Study underscores that particular aspects of parental bonding and personality factors independently relate to depression. Therefore, interventions should be designed to promote nurturing of parental behaviors and address personality-related vulnerabilities that could improve the therapeutic outcomes for those suffering from depression.

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