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The Relationship Between Parenting Style, Cognitive Style, and Anxiety and Depression: Does Increased Early Adversity Influence Symptom Severity Through the Mediating Role of Cognitive Style?

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Abstract

Despite the central role accorded to cognitive style in mediating the relationship between negative parenting and the development of anxiety and depression, few studies have empirically examined this relationship. Using a clinical sample, this study examined the relationship between early experiences with low care, increased control, abuse and neglect, and symptoms of anxiety and depression, via the mediating effects of cognitive style. It was found that individuals who rate their parents as being more abusive and neglectful reported a greater degree of depression and that this relationship was mediated by dysfunctional cognitive style. These findings contribute to the growing literature by providing support for the role of cognitions in mediating the link between negative parenting and psychopathology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, New York

    Lata K. McGinn

  2. SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York

    Daniel Cukor

  3. Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York

    William C. Sanderson

  4. Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Rousso Building 126, Bronx, New York, 10461

    Lata K. McGinn

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  1. Lata K. McGinn
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  2. Daniel Cukor
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  3. William C. Sanderson
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Correspondence to Lata K. McGinn.

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McGinn, L.K., Cukor, D. & Sanderson, W.C. The Relationship Between Parenting Style, Cognitive Style, and Anxiety and Depression: Does Increased Early Adversity Influence Symptom Severity Through the Mediating Role of Cognitive Style?. Cogn Ther Res 29, 219–242 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-005-3166-1

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