Amira Najiha Yahya , Nor Sheereen Zulkefly

father attachment, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, adolescents

Adolescence represents a critical developmental period. One of the common disorders that frequently arise during this period is represented by depressive symptoms that tends to forecast many subsequent psychological impairments. However, what factors influence depressive symptoms are not fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to extend the existing literature by examining the role of father attachment and self-esteem as predictors of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Additionally, self-esteem was also tested as a mediator on the association between father attachment and depressive symptoms. A total of 1018 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 (M=15 years, SD=1.01) completed self-report measures of father attachment, self-esteem and symptoms of depression. Self-esteem esteem was found to be a significant predictor of depressive symptoms but not father attachment. Results also revealed there was an indirect effect of self-esteem on the relationship between father attachment and depressive symptoms. Adolescents who perceived to have better attachment with their fathers showed higher self-esteem and making them less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Findings of the present study support the idea that father attachment and self-esteem should be central themes in prevention programs with adolescents.