Mental Health Problems among Adolescents in Relationship to Satisfaction with Parental Control

Several studies indicated a relation between parental control and symptoms of anxiety and depression among adolescents. But satisfaction with parental control has not been given much emphasis with regard to mental health problems among adolescents. The present study aimed to examine the adolescents’ satisfaction with parental control and its relationship with anxiety and depression. It was hypothesized that satisfaction with parental control (maternal and paternal) would be negatively associated with anxiety and depression among adolescents. Four hundred adolescents (200 boys and 200 girls) with age range of 15 to 19 years, were administered ‘Satisfaction with Parental Control Scale’ and ‘General Health Questionnaire’ to assess the variables under study. Correlational analysis revealed that adolescents who have greater satisfaction with their maternal and paternal control reported less anxiety and depressive symptoms. Further, regression analysis clearly indicates that satisfaction with maternal control emerged as significant predictor for anxiety and depression. Present study provides the conclusion that satisfaction with parental control improves mental health status of adolescents. The findings may have counselling implications.