Date of Award
5-2014
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Psychology
Advisor/Committee Chair
Samantha A. Barry
Committee Member
Elana B. Gordis
Abstract
The present study examines the relation between harsh parenting experienced during adolescence on anxiety symptoms during adulthood as moderated by the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and family stability. Participants completed questionnaires assessing parenting styles, the regularity or family activities, and current anxiety symptoms (61 adults; mean age = 19.39 years; 50.8% European American; 47.5% male). PNS activity was measured by resting respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA). The results suggest that among males, relatively high RSA buffers the effects of harsh parenting on anxiety symptoms. Also, for males, the stability of home life at relatively high levels can be a protective factor for increased levels of reported anxiety symptoms in a non-abusive environment. There were no significant findings for female participants. The results indicate that high RSA and high levels of family stability are both protective against the negative effects of harsh parenting.
Recommended Citation
Welburn, Laura B., "The Effect of Harsh Parenting on Anxiety Levels in Adolescents as Moderated by RSA and Family Stability" (2014). Psychology. 23.
https://scholarsarchive.library.albany.edu/honorscollege_psych/23