Parental Closeness and College Student Mental Health: The Moderating Role of Physical Distance

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

30 minutes

College

College of Sciences & Mathematics

Department

Psychological Sciences and Neurosciences, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

Faculty Mentor

Abigail Heller, PhD

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

Existing research consistently demonstrates that perceived closeness and quality of parent–child relationships are associated with mental health outcomes across adolescence and emerging adulthood. Lower perceived parental closeness and support have been linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety, loneliness, and psychological distress, with evidence suggesting these associations persist into the college years (Branje et al., 2010; Calderon Leon et al., 2022; Carollo et al., 2024; Hood et al., 2019). At the same time, college students have experienced increasing rates of anxiety and depression in recent years, underscoring the importance of identifying protective relational factors (Duffy et al., 2019). Emerging evidence further suggests that contextual factors, such as geographic distance from parents, may influence adjustment and perceived support by altering the nature and availability of parent–child interactions (Costa et al., 2017; Dubas & Petersen, 1996; Jang et al., 2018). This study examined the relationships between perceived parental closeness and symptoms of anxiety and depression in college students and investigated whether physical distance from parents or guardians moderates these associations. Undergraduate college students (N = 50; Mage = 20.02) filled out a survey on Qualtrics that measured demographics, parental/guardian closeness, anxiety, depression, and physical distance from parent/guardian home. Data collection is ongoing, and results will be presented at the symposium.

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