The purpose of this paper is to present a review of research dealing with the relationship of family factors and depression in adolescents, with an emphasis on the effects of parental rearing style on adolescent depression. Results of studies dealing with the role of parental rearing style in the development of depressive symptoms in adolescents are presented. Namely, research showing that family relations of depressive children and adolescents are characterized by high levels of conflict, criticism, cold and chaotic relationships and negative parental practices, like rejection, lack of warmth, harsh discipline and psychological control. Special attention is given to research which examined and explained the direct and indirect effects of parenting style on depressive symptoms in adolescence. Namely, many studies suggest that parenting has an important impact on cognitive style, self-esteem and self confidence, coping, social and emotional regulation skills and that these factors could mediate the relationship of parental rearing style and depression in adolescents.

depression, adolescents, parental rearing style, mechanisms of influence