Leiden University Student Repository

Manasek, Julia (2024)

Understanding the Interplay between Parental Bonding and Anxiety: A Comparative Study of Dutch and International Students

Master thesis | Psychology (MSc)

Existing research indicates that there is an association between parental bonding characterized by high parental care and low parental overprotection and an increase of anxiety symptoms. However, studies within student samples are rather limited, particularly looking at international students, despite their increased vulnerability to anxiety. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected via an online survey incorporating the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to assess anxiety symptoms and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to evaluate parental bonding. The study included 230 students of which 126 were Dutch students and 104 international students. The data of the current study indicated that parental care and parental overprotection were both significant predictors of anxiety. Higher parental care and higher overprotection both were associated with lower anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, parental care was found to be significantly lower among international students. Lastly, student...Show moreExisting research indicates that there is an association between parental bonding characterized by high parental care and low parental overprotection and an increase of anxiety symptoms. However, studies within student samples are rather limited, particularly looking at international students, despite their increased vulnerability to anxiety. In this cross-sectional study, data were collected via an online survey incorporating the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) to assess anxiety symptoms and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI) to evaluate parental bonding. The study included 230 students of which 126 were Dutch students and 104 international students. The data of the current study indicated that parental care and parental overprotection were both significant predictors of anxiety. Higher parental care and higher overprotection both were associated with lower anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, parental care was found to be significantly lower among international students. Lastly, student status did not moderate the effect of parental overprotection or parental care on anxiety. Nonetheless, current research indicates that cultural variations in parental bonding exists and their impact on anxiety can vary but this may be less visible in the current sample due to the heterogeneity of the international group. Further research should compare specific cultural groups directly to better understand the impact of parental bonding on anxiety and investigate other contributing factors affecting international students, enabling more effective support for this vulnerable population.Show less

Parental bonding, attachment, anxiety, student mental health, international students.

Author

Manasek, Julia

Faculty

Faculty of Social & Behavioural Sciences

Specialisation

Clinical Psychology

Supervisors

Niki Antypa

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en