Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Hyperscanning Study in Psychological Counseling
Published on: January 17, 2025
Parenting Styles and Suicidal Behaviors among College Students: Examining the Mediating Roles of Coping, Self-Esteem,
Ruishen Liu1, Qun Zhao1,2, Shengchang Li2
1Research Institute for Environment and Health, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing 210044, China.
Background:
Suicide is influenced by multiple factors. However, the mechanisms through which these factors influence suicide remain understudied. This study aims to examine the relationship between parenting styles (warmth, control, indulgence, humiliation, and neglect), coping, self-esteem, depression, and suicidality (suicidal ideation and suicide attempts) among college students.
Methods:
Cross-sectional data were collected from 2369 undergraduates (mean age = 20.10 years) including 1201 women (50.7%) at four Chinese colleges.
Results:
Students reported high rates of suicidal behaviors (12.7% suicidal ideation, 6.4% suicidal attempts) and depression (37%). Structural equation modeling indicated that warmth (+) had associations with coping. Coping was linked to self-esteem and depression. Depression (+), self-esteem (-), warmth (-), and neglect (+) had direct correlations with suicidality. Self-esteem mediated the relationships between warmth and depression.
Conclusions:
Future prevention intervention efforts aimed at reducing depression and suicidal behaviors should prioritize the promotion of positive parenting styles and the avoidance of negative ones. College mental health services should emphasize positive and optimistic coping strategies to enhance students' self-esteem.
Related Concept Videos
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Self-Presentation: Self-Monitoring and Self-Handicapping
Coping Strategies: Problem Focused
For example, consider a student who struggles to understand their...
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....

