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

Authors

  • Shyngle Kolawole Balogun Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Ayomipe Ajoke Temola Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Ifeoluwa Deborah Aderibigbe Department of Psychology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
  • Adeboye Michael Fatunbi Department of Psychology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Keywords:

Conflict, Closeness, Dependence, Parent-Child Relationship, Happiness, Depression, Mental Health, University Staff

Abstract

This study specifically focused on understanding the associations between
depression, happiness, parent-child relationship and its dimensions: conflict, closeness, and
dependence. A total of 113 participants completed a paper-based questionnaire that included
demographic questions, the Parent-Child Relationship Scale, the Depression Scale, and the
Authentic Happiness Scale. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant associations such
that, 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 emotional
closeness reduces conflict. Multiple regression analysis further indicated that conflict and
closeness in parent-child relationships independently predicted depression, with conflict emerging
as a significant positive predictor (β = .274, p <.05), while closeness unexpectedly predicted more
depression (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 significantly
influence depression, and highlights the need for personalized interventions to promote healthier
familial interactions and emotional well-being.

Downloads

Published

2025-10-16

How to Cite

Kolawole Balogun, S., Ajoke Temola, A., Deborah Aderibigbe, I., & Michael Fatunbi, A. (2025). PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP QUALITY AND PARENTAL HAPPINESS AS PREDICTORS OF DEPRESSION AMONG THE UNIVERSITY STAFF IN IBADAN. African Journal of Social and Behavioural Sciences, 15(8). Retrieved from https://journals.aphriapub.com/index.php/AJSBS/article/view/3367

Issue

Vol. 15 No. 8 (2025)

Section

Articles