Research has established a link between parental psychopathology, perceptions of parents, and child outcomes. Separately, negative perceptions of a parent and parental psychopathology are associated with negative outcomes. However, a stronger relationship may exist when these factors are combined. Current research indicates that children tend to view a parent with psychopathology more negatively and consequently are at a greater risk for psychopathology. Less research examines the outcomes of children who hold positive perceptions of a parent with psychopathology, as well as the effects of perceptions of parents on emerging adults. The current study tested a model where perceptions of parents moderated the relationship between parental psychopathology and emerging adult psychopathology. Results indicated that holding positive perceptions of a parent with internalizing problems puts an emerging adult at a greater risk for internalizing problems, whereas the effect of parental psychopathology and perceptions of parents on emerging adult externalizing problems was unclear.

This study explored the role of fathers in adolescents behavioral and emotional functioning. Results revealed gender differences in adolescent ratings of their parents. Compared to girls, boys endorsed significantly lower negative affect toward mothers and fathers. Girls reported higher levels of maternal versus paternal involvement, monitoring and acceptance, and higher positive and lower negative affect toward mothers than fathers. Few gender differences were found in associations between maternal and paternal variables and adolescent outcomes. Results supported the unique contribution of fathers in explaining adolescent emotional and behavioral functioning. When considering boys and girls separately, fathers added unique variance in explaining self-reported internalizing problems for boys only. Results are discussed within the context of family-based research.