Perceived paternal acceptance-rejection as a mediator of the association between perceived maternal acceptance-rejection and psychological adjustment: effect of gender

The present study explores the mediating role of perceived paternal acceptancerejection on the association between perceived maternal acceptance-rejection and psychological adjustment and its gender-related facets among 551 secondary school students aged 11 to 15. Results suggest paternal acceptance-rejection partially mediates this relationship for both genders, impacting positive selfadequacy, emotional responsiveness, and positive worldview. It partially mediates hostility and emotional stability for females and fully mediates for males. However, it does not affect self-esteem for either gender.