Modern Psychological Studies
Volume
30
Number
1
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Date
2024
Abstract
Many studies have shown parental rejection can lead to depression. However, research exploring parental rejection and anxiety has been lacking and inconsistent, with some studies suggesting a relationship, while others do not. The current study aimed to examine if the perception of parental rejection in one’s childhood could predict trait anxiety and depression scores among young adults. Our hypothesis was that higher perception of parental rejection in childhood would predict both higher trait anxiety and depression. Study participants included 123 undergraduate students from a Southeastern U.S. university, with all participants being at least 18 years old. Correlations were explored across all variables. Consistent with past research, we found perceiving parental rejection at a young age correlates with higher depressive symptoms. However, no significant correlation was found between parental rejection and trait anxiety scores. Previous researchers suggest participants’ perceived lack of control and other non-parental factors may instead play a larger role in the development of anxiety and related symptoms. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Discipline
Psychology
Document Type
article
DCMI Type
Text
Language
English
Rights
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
Recommended Citation
Ashburn, Rocky and Kazanas, Stephanie A.
(2024)
"Parental childhood rejection: An exploration of anxiety and depression in later life,"
Modern Psychological Studies: Vol. 30:
No.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholar.utc.edu/mps/vol30/iss1/1
Department
Dept. of Psychology