The Relationship of Parental Practices and Psychological Distress among Adult Children of Alcoholic Fathers in Pakistan

In: Global social sciences review: an open access, triple-blind peer review, multidisciplinary journal, Band VI, Heft III, S. 150-158

Abstract

Psychological distress does not develop in isolation; this phenomenon is affected by a multitude of inter and intrapersonal factors, one of which is parental behaviors and parenting practices. Current research aimed to study the relationship between parental practices and psychological health of children of alcoholics. For this purpose,a demographic form, General Health Questionnaire, and Egna Minnen Betraffende Uppfostran were used. The sample was adult children of alcoholics between the age range of 18 to 25 (M=21.40, SD=2.36) and included both males (n=166) and females (n=158) selected through purposive sampling technique. The minimum level of education was matric (16.7percent), and the highest educational level was masters (13.6 percent). Maternal rejection was found to be the strongest predictor for both psychological distress risk and intensity, whereas maternal over protectiveness and emotional warmth were negative predictors of distress risk and intensity. Father's emotional warmth was a strong predictor of psychological distress intensity, and over protectiveness was a strong predictor of psychological distress risk. Findings were discussed in the context of previous research.