The Relationship Among Child Maltreatment, Parental Bonding, and a Lifetime History of Major Depressive Disorder in Latino College Students

ABSTRACT

This study examined the relationship among child maltreatment, parental bonding, and a lifetime history of major depressive disorder (MDD) in a sample of 119 Latino students. Forty-five students reported a lifetime history of MDD and 74 reported not having a lifetime history of MDD. The results indicated that emotional abuse and maternal overprotection were significantly associated with having a lifetime history of MDD. The findings support the importance of examining these factors among depressed Latinos. Future research should continue to explore both the role of child maltreatment and parental bonding in relation to a lifetime history of MDD in this population.

KEYWORDS:

• Child maltreatment
• parental bonding
• major depressive disorder
• Latino college students