REFLECTING PARENT-CHILD BOND: SHAPING MENTAL HEALTH

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.