The correlation of the father-child relationship to depressive symptomatology in college-aged children. The self-reported perceptions of the college-aged child

This study was designed to explore how, if at all, self-reported levels of the paternal-child relationship, including the level of father involvement, level of communication, and level of positive affect correlate to the college-aged child\u27s self-reported levels of depressive symptomatology. As part of this study, 86 undergraduate students from Pacific University were given three paper and pencil questionnaires, which resulted in 77 subjects\u27 questionnaires being eligible to be statistically analyzed. The variables used as predictors for this study were the participant\u27s responses to questions concerning the quality and level of their relationship with their father. Assessment of the predictor variables was done using the Parent-Child Relationship Survey (PCRS) (Fine, Moreland, & Schwebel, 1983). The variable used as criterion was the participant\u27s responses to questions concerning the existence of depressive symptomatology. Assessment of the criterion variable was collected using the Beck Depression Inventory - 2nd Edition (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). Three of the four father-child relationship variables (overall paternal relationship, communication, and positive affect) predicted the criterion (level of depressive symptomatology as reported by the college-aged child). The one predictor variable that failed to predict the criterion was the father involvement subscale within the PCRS. The results indicated that there was no significant relationship between that predictor variable (father involvement) and the criterion (depressive symptomatology)