A Multidimensional Analysis of Parenting Style, Cognitive Style, and Perceived Stress in Adolescents with Dissociative Disorders: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Dissociative disorders in adolescents are increasingly recognized as complex psychiatric conditions
influenced by developmental, environmental, and cognitive factors. Parenting style, cognitive processing patterns, and
perceived stress are considered key psychosocial determinants affecting symptom severity and functional outcomes.
Aim: To evaluate the relationship between parenting style, cognitive style, and perceived stress among adolescents
diagnosed with dissociative disorders.
Methods: A retrospective review of 30 adolescent cases diagnosed with dissociative disorders at PMCH, Patna over
one year was conducted. Data regarding parenting style (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive), cognitive style (fielddependent
vs field-independent), and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) scores were extracted and analyzed using descriptive
statistics, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation.
Results: Authoritarian parenting was most prevalent (40%). Adolescents exposed to authoritarian parenting demonstrated
significantly higher perceived stress (mean PSS 28±4) compared to permissive (24±5) and authoritative parenting (18±3)
(p<0.01). Field-dependent cognitive style was associated with higher stress levels (26.8±4.6 vs 21.5±3.9; p=0.02).
Parenting style showed significant correlation with perceived stress (r=0.58, p=0.001).
Conclusion: Parenting style and cognitive style significantly influence perceived stress among adolescents with
dissociative disorders. Early psychosocial intervention targeting family environment may improve clinical outcomes.