The sequential indirect effect of adverse parenting on depressive symptoms through perfectionism and self-compassion

Abstract

Depression is a leading cause of global disability. Among many other factors, the development of depressive symptoms across the lifespan has been linked to adverse parenting practices. Previous research has addressed perfectionism and self-compassion as factors that individually mediate the parenting-depression relationship; however, very few studies have taken an integrative approach to examine how these factors interact to influence this relationship. The following review examines theory and previous research regarding the associations between parenting, perfectionism, self-compassion and depressive symptoms. The review concludes with aims for future research to address the potential interconnectivity between perfectionism and self-compassion in the parenting and depression relationship.