Perceptions of Parental Bonding and Symptom Severity in Adults with Depression: Mediation by Personality Dimensions

Abstract

Objective: An association between anomalous parental bonding experiences (lack of parental care, overprotection, or both) and depression during adulthood has been observed in several studies. The objective of the present study was to evaluate several different personality dimensions as possible mediators of the relationship between perceptions of parental bonding and depressive symptoms in adulthood. Methods: Outpatients with depression (n = 138) completed the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and several measures of proposed personality vulnerabilities to depression. The conceptual and methodological criteria of Baron and Kenny (1986) were used to assess possible mediating effects of personality variables. Results: In men, overprotection by their fathers was significantly associated with depression; neuroticism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and concern over mistakes acted as mediators of this relationship. In women, lack of care by their mothers was significantly associated with depression; self-criticism, socially prescribed perfectionism, and concern over mistakes mediated this relationship. Conclusions: The present study provides evidence that personality factors may mediate the observed relationship between parental rearing style and depression. These potential causal mechanisms warrant longitudinal evaluation.