PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP QUALITY AND PARENTAL HAPPINESS AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSION AMONG THE UNIVERSITY STAFF IN IBADAN

Abstract

This study specifically focused on understanding the associations betweendepression, happiness, parent-child relationship and its dimensions: conflict, closeness, anddependence. A total of 113 participants completed a paper-based questionnaire that includeddemographic questions, the Parent-Child Relationship Scale, the Depression Scale, and theAuthentic Happiness Scale. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations suchthat, conflictual parent-child relationships was positively related with depression (r = .369, p <.01), while closeness was positively related to happiness (r = .423, p < .01). Closeness, however,exhibited a negative correlation with conflict (r = –.159, p < .05), suggesting that greater emotionalcloseness reduces conflict. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that conflict andcloseness in parent-child relationships independently predicted depression, with conflict emergingas a significant positive predictor (β = .274, p <.05), while closeness unexpectedly predicted moredepression (β = .280, p <.05). Parental happiness was the strongest predictor of depression (β = –.492, p < .001). The study concludes that dynamics within parent-child relationships significantlyinfluence depression, and highlights the need for personalized interventions to promote healthierfamilial interactions and emotional well-being.