Negative parenting style and depression in adolescents: A moderated mediation of self-esteem and perceived social support

Negative parenting style as a risk factors of depression has been defined in the previous researches. However, the underlying mechanism between negative parenting style and depression was still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of perceived social support in the association between negative parenting style and depression among adolescents. A total of 14,724 Chinese adolescents were asked to complete the questionnaires including Parenting Style scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Self-esteem scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale. Mediation and moderation analyses were carried out in SPSS 25.0 macro PROCESS. Self-esteem mediated the relationship between negative parenting styles and adolescent depression (β = 0.113, SE = 0.004, p < 0.001). Perceived social support moderated the direct effect of negative parenting style on depression (β = −0.076, SE = 0.009, p < 0.001). Moreover, perceived social support moderated the indirect effect of negative parenting style on self-esteem (β = −0.023, SE = 0.007, p < 0.001) and the indirect effect of self-esteem on depression (β = 0.070, SE = 0.009, p < 0.001) in the moderated mediation model. Cross-sectional research design was used in the study. All measures were based on participant self-report. This study reveals the underlying mechanism with regard to the influence of negative parenting style on depression through self-esteem and perceived social support. Findings provide a theoretical basis and practical implications for prevention and intervention programs to protect adolescents' mental health.