Background
A body of research has investigated the effects of parental overprotection on various outcomes, including seeking social support. While the mechanism underlying the relationship between parental overprotection and seeking social support has not been well understood, some studies have clarified that parental overprotection positively predicts children’s depression, and those children with higher depression show a lower predisposition towards seeking social support. This study testifies the mediating role of children’s depression in the relationship between parental overprotection and seeking social support.
Hypotheses/Research Questions
It was hypothesized that children’s depression would mediate the relationship between parental overprotection and seeking social support.
Sample Characteristics and Sample Size
Three hundred and forty children aged from 9 to 15 years (M = 12.1; SD = 1.30) reported their perceived parental overprotection, depression level and seeking social support.
Design
The study herein adopted a cross-sectional survey design.
Results
Results showed that children’s depression completely mediated the association between parental overprotection and seeking social support. Specifically, parental overprotection positively predicted children’s depression, which in turn negatively predicted social support seeking. The relationship between parental overprotection and seeking social support became non-significant after controlling for depression.
Scientific Contribution
The present findings shed light on the mechanism through which parental overprotection contributes to a lower tendency to seek social support among children.