Role of parental acceptance and rejection on suicidal ideation among young adults

Abstract Background: The alarming rise in suicide rates among Bangladeshi young adults is an urgent reminder of the silent battles they face, emphasizing the pressing need for immediate attention and comprehensive support systems to prevent further loss of precious lives. The main purpose of the present study was to explore the role of parental acceptance and rejection on suicidal ideation (SI) among Bangladeshi young adults. Methods: A total of 300 young adults (18–22 years) were selected by multistage random sampling from five undergraduate institutions in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. Bangla Adapted Versions of “Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ adult),” and “Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation” were used to collect data. Obtained data were analyzed by employing mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation, multiple regression analysis, and independent sample t-test, through SPSS version 25. Results: Results demonstrated that perceived parental acceptance was negatively correlated (maternal warmth/affection, r = −0.465**; P < 0.01; paternal warmth/affection, r = −0.449**; P < 0.01) with SI. Furthermore, perceived parental rejection was positively correlated (maternal hostility/aggression, r = 0.520**; P < 0.01; maternal indifference/neglect, r = 0.388**; P < 0.01; maternal undifferentiated rejection, r = 0.459**; P < 0.01; paternal hostility/aggression, r = 0.509**; P < 0.01; paternal indifference/neglect, r = 0.371**; P < 0.01, and paternal undifferentiated rejection, r = 0.397**; P < 0.01) with SI. Multiple regression analysis revealed that parental acceptance and rejection were significant predictors (45.2%) of SI. Findings also revealed that male young adults perceived more acceptance from their parents (maternal acceptance-rejection, t = −3.753, P < 0.001; paternal acceptance-rejection, t = −2.680, P < 0.01) than female young adults. Moreover, female young adults had higher SI than male young adults (t = −3.123 P < 0.01). Conclusion: This study documented a very critical notion of parental acceptance and rejection of overcoming SI among young adults. Therefore, planning appropriate strategies to improve family bonding of young adults should be taken into consideration for the prevention of SI or suicide among young adults.