Abstract

Today, Japanese young adults are at increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Given that the presence of mental illness early in life increases the risk of further depressive episodes in later life and that psychiatric disorders are associated with college attrition rates and academic performance, investigating the mechanisms contributing to college students’ mental health is crucial. This study explored the mediating roles of self-esteem and life satisfaction in the relationship between parental bonding and general mental health among Japanese young adults. Six-hundred-eighty-two undergraduates (358 women and 324 men) completed four measures: Parental Bonding Instrument, Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire. A structural equation modeling procedure was used to examine the model of best fit for parental bonding (care and over-protection), life satisfaction, self-esteem, and psychological well-being. Results showed that self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between parental bonding (parental care and parental over-protection) and general mental health. This study demonstrated the mechanism through which perceived parenting style influences Japanese young adults’ psychological well-being. Implications for mental health professionals are addressed.

Key words: Parental bonding, life satisfaction, self-esteem, general mental health, Japanese college students.