Presentation Information
[P-25-06]The Role of Gender in Perceived Parental Rejection and Psychological Resilience Among Singaporean Adolescents
*Evangeline Si En Yeoh1, John Chee Meng Wong2,3, Kee Juan Yeo2, Tessa Li Xiang Low2, Brenda Liaw Wen Lio2, Daniel Fung4, Say How Ong4, Cheong Sing Tian3, Natalie Cheok Ling Lei2, Jie Yu Teoh2, Natalie HuiJing Yap2, Dennis Kom5, Victoria Fee5, Frank Verhulst6 (1.Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore(Singapore), 2.Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore(Singapore), 3.Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Health System(Singapore), 4.Department of Developmental Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health (IMH)(Singapore), 5.Student Development Curriculum Division, Ministry of Education (MOE)(Singapore), 6.Erasmus University Medical Center(Netherlands))
Keywords:
Parental rejection,Psychological resilience,Adolescents,Gender differences,IPARTheory
Background
According to the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPARTheory), perceived parental rejection contributes to psychological maladjustments. Cultural constructs such as guan are observed in many Asian societies, where parental control is expressed as concern and may influence how parental behavior is interpreted. Gender differences further complicate this. This study aims to investigate whether gender moderates the relationship between perceived maternal and paternal rejection and psychological resilience among Singaporean adolescents aged 11–18.
Methods
Data from 454 participants in the Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) study were analyzed. Adolescents completed the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) and the Singapore Youth Resilience Scale (SYRESS), which scores resilience across 10 domains. Pearson’s correlations and linear regressions assessed associations between parental rejection and resilience. Moderation analyses tested gender interactions on total and domain-specific resilience outcomes.
Results
Maternal and paternal rejection were significantly associated with lower overall resilience, as reflected in total SYRESS scores (r = –0.36 and r = –0.30 respectively; p<0.001), with maternal rejection as a stronger predictor of reduced resilience (β = –0.974, p<0.001). Moderation analyses by domain revealed three significant interactions (p<0.05) where gender shaped the impact of perceived parental rejection on specific aspects of resilience:
- Paternal rejection had the strongest negative impact on the perseverance/commitment domain among male adolescents.
- Maternal rejection had the strongest negative impact on the Positive Self-Image/Optimism and Personal Control domains among female adolescents.
Conclusion
Parent–adolescent relationships characterised by warmth, emotional support, and open communication can foster psychological resilience in youth. Emotionally available and nurturing fathers are likely to foster perseverance and commitment in their sons; traits crucial for navigating adolescence and obligations like National Service in Singapore. Greater maternal involvement, such as modelling healthy self-esteem and open emotional expression may help mitigate common challenges faced by female adolescents such as negative self-image and disordered eating. Gender-sensitive approaches are essential to the development of a psychologically healthy generation in Singapore.
According to the Interpersonal Acceptance-Rejection Theory (IPARTheory), perceived parental rejection contributes to psychological maladjustments. Cultural constructs such as guan are observed in many Asian societies, where parental control is expressed as concern and may influence how parental behavior is interpreted. Gender differences further complicate this. This study aims to investigate whether gender moderates the relationship between perceived maternal and paternal rejection and psychological resilience among Singaporean adolescents aged 11–18.
Methods
Data from 454 participants in the Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) study were analyzed. Adolescents completed the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) and the Singapore Youth Resilience Scale (SYRESS), which scores resilience across 10 domains. Pearson’s correlations and linear regressions assessed associations between parental rejection and resilience. Moderation analyses tested gender interactions on total and domain-specific resilience outcomes.
Results
Maternal and paternal rejection were significantly associated with lower overall resilience, as reflected in total SYRESS scores (r = –0.36 and r = –0.30 respectively; p<0.001), with maternal rejection as a stronger predictor of reduced resilience (β = –0.974, p<0.001). Moderation analyses by domain revealed three significant interactions (p<0.05) where gender shaped the impact of perceived parental rejection on specific aspects of resilience:
- Paternal rejection had the strongest negative impact on the perseverance/commitment domain among male adolescents.
- Maternal rejection had the strongest negative impact on the Positive Self-Image/Optimism and Personal Control domains among female adolescents.
Conclusion
Parent–adolescent relationships characterised by warmth, emotional support, and open communication can foster psychological resilience in youth. Emotionally available and nurturing fathers are likely to foster perseverance and commitment in their sons; traits crucial for navigating adolescence and obligations like National Service in Singapore. Greater maternal involvement, such as modelling healthy self-esteem and open emotional expression may help mitigate common challenges faced by female adolescents such as negative self-image and disordered eating. Gender-sensitive approaches are essential to the development of a psychologically healthy generation in Singapore.