Abstract

Exposure to dysfunctional parenting styles characterized by neglect, indifference, emotional or physical abuse, or excessive control is an important vulnerability factor for individuals’ self-esteem. The relationship between perceived parenting styles and self-esteem is supported by a considerable amount of evidence; however, it is possible that other factors may influence that association. Some studies report some effect of perceived dysfunctional parenting styles on psychological flexibility, a crucial function for maintaining a proper level of self-esteem. In this study we tested the hypothesis that psychological flexibility may mediate the relationship between perceived dysfunctional parenting styles and self-esteem, in a sample of adolescents. We evaluated a sample of 110 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years, and we investigated, through retrospective questionnaires, the exposure to parenting styles perceived as dysfunctional during childhood and adolescence, as well as self-esteem and psychological flexibility. Our results confirm that greater exposure to parenting styles perceived as dysfunctional is associated with lower self-esteem and lower psychological flexibility, as well as that individuals with greater psychological flexibility have higher self-esteem. Our results also highlight that psychological flexibility acts as a partial mediator in the relationship between perceived dysfunctional parenting and self-esteem. In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that the association between perceived parenting styles and self-esteem may be partly attributable to the effect that the perception of parenting styles have on psychological flexibility and, consequently, on the latter’s ability to support the self-esteem functions of individuals. This aspect may have significant relevance in supporting adolescents or young adults who have been exposed to adversity in parental relationships through interventions that promote psychological flexibility