ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND PERCEPTION OF EARLY PARENTING - A METAANALYSIS

The literature on perceived parental rearing practices in depressed and anxious patients is reviewed by means of a meta-analysis. To this aim, the psychometric and validational properties of questionnaires measuring perceptions of parental rearing styles were investigated, and only studies using satisfactory measures were included in the meta-analysis. Studies were grouped into various categories, such as specific type of disorder, remitted versus nonremitted cases, males versus females, and state versus trait measures of anxiety and depression. It is concluded that various types of phobic disorder were related to a parental rearing style of less Affection and more Control as compared to healthy controls. Findings with regard to depression appeared to be less consistent. Possible explanations for these inconsistencies are offered. Finally, problems with respect to validity of retrospective assessment of parental rearing practices are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided. © 1990.