Parental rearing patterns and suicidal thoughts

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Abstract
In an attempt to investigate the parental rearing patterns associated with presence of suicidal thoughts, a measure of child rearing patterns (EMBU [Own Memories of Child Rearing Experiences]) and the EPQ [Eysenck Personality Questionnaire] measure of personality dimensions were administered to 85 university students, 72 medical and surgical patients, and 125 employees of a state department, along with 2 questions tapping suicidal thoughts. Those with suicidal ideation had parents who had separated more often than controls, and parental rearing of those with suicidal thoughts included parents who favored siblings rather than subject, were unstimulating, guilt-engendering, rejecting and unaffectionate. Fathers were more abusive and punitive. Sucidal thoughts may be related to rejection and lack of self-esteem, and therapy which focuses on resolving parental rejection may be useful in patients with suicidal ideation.