Abstract
A rejecting and overprotective parenting style is considered to be an important risk factor for the development of anxiety
disorders. This study examined the role of perceived parental bonding as a potential environmental risk factor for panic disorder
(PD) in unaffected offspring with parental PD. Children with a biological parent with PD (n = 71) and children of parents
with no psychiatric history (n = 80) participated in the study. Results indicate that high risk children do not perceive their
parents as being more protective and less caring than low risk controls. The optimal bonding type (high care, low protection)
was the most frequently reported parenting style across groups. The constraining type of maternal bonding (high care, high
protection) was less frequently reported by high risk children (p < 0.05). Overall, these data suggest that parental PD does not compromise the parent–child bonds in never-ill offspring.
disorders. This study examined the role of perceived parental bonding as a potential environmental risk factor for panic disorder
(PD) in unaffected offspring with parental PD. Children with a biological parent with PD (n = 71) and children of parents
with no psychiatric history (n = 80) participated in the study. Results indicate that high risk children do not perceive their
parents as being more protective and less caring than low risk controls. The optimal bonding type (high care, low protection)
was the most frequently reported parenting style across groups. The constraining type of maternal bonding (high care, high
protection) was less frequently reported by high risk children (p < 0.05). Overall, these data suggest that parental PD does not compromise the parent–child bonds in never-ill offspring.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10578-012-0324-z
- Authors
- Diana Koszycki, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, 145 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Cynthia Bilodeau, Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa, 145 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
- Peter Zwanzger, Department of Psychiatry, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
- Barry H. Schneider, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Martine F. Flament, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Jacques Bradwejn, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Journal Child Psychiatry & Human Development
- Online ISSN 1573-3327
- Print ISSN 0009-398X