Parental Support as a Protective Factor for the Emotional Well-Being of Dutch Adolescents Experiencing Parental Separation

Abstract

Every year, over 22 000 Dutch children experience parental separation, which can negatively affect their emotional well-being (EWB). It is thought that this relationship is mediated by experienced parental support, while the association between parental separation and experienced parent support is moderated by socioeconomic status (SES). Using data from the HBSC study, it is researched how parental separation influences adolescents’ EWB. Regression analyses revealed adolescents with separated parents on average reported a lower level of EWB. This relationship was partially mediated by the level of support they perceived from their parents, highlighting parental support as a protective factor. However, SES did not moderate the link between separation and support, suggesting the emotional impact of separation is consistent across socioeconomic backgrounds. These findings emphasizing the importance of strong parental support during family transitions. The study emphasizes the need for targeted support for adolescents experiencing parental separation and contributes to a deeper understanding of adolescent mental health.