Abstract:
In contemporary society, the profound influence of parental relationships on individuals'
development, particularly their mental health, cannot be overstated. This investigation
explores the paramount significance of the parent-child bond in shaping the well-being and
mental health of adolescents and young adults. Children form internal representations of
relationships through engagement with their foremost caretakers, as noted by psychologist
John Bowlby. This research investigates the influence of attachment theory, parental
acceptance-rejection theory (PARTheory), behavioural characteristics, temperament, and
parental styles on these bonds. Furthermore, as Patricia-Luciana Runcan (2011) has noted,
spending time with a child has a profound effect on the interaction between parents and
children. The study also highlights the psychological and physiological aspects that impact
the quality of these relationships, with a particular focus on the mental health implications. It
discerns that positive parent-child relationships foster emotional regulation and enhance
psychosocial adjustment. In the words of Katherine J. Aucoin (2006), there is a connection
between a child's ability to self-regulate and parental tolerance. At the same time, negative or
strained bonds correlate with a multitude of psychological and social health issues, including
anxiety, depression, and impaired social functioning. In essence, as these findings reveal,
nurturing strong parent-child bonds holds the key to the well-being of future generations. John
Bowlby, a prominent psychologist, posits that attachment theory asserts the enduring impact
of parent-child relationships on a child's psychological growth. The objective of this research
is to delve into the intrinsic significance of the bond between parents and children about their
mental well-being. Integrating PARTheory enhances our understanding by comprehending
how parental acceptance and rejection shape children's psychological development.
