Association between co-residence with parents and General Anxiety Disorder in Korean adolescents

Background Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a significant mental health concern, especially among Korean adolescents, who exhibit a heightened vulnerability to anxiety due to psychological, physiological, and social factors. Elements such as family dynamics, social pressures, and academic demands constitute substantial risks to adolescent mental health. Additionally, the shift toward nuclear family structures and economic challenges, which have reduced parental time with adolescents, have been identified as contributing factors to this issue. This study examined whether the association between parental co-residence and adolescent anxiety is warranted. Methods The study data were sourced from the 2020–2023 Youth Health Behavior Survey by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (sample of 208,891 Korean adolescents aged 13 to 18 years). Adolescent anxiety levels were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) screening tool. To investigate the association between parental co-residence and GAD, multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results Adolescents who were not residing with their parents had more anxiety compared to those residing with parents (Male: OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.10–1.28; Female: OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00–1.17). Notably, adolescents co-residing with relatives had the most anxiety (Male: OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.35–2.08; Female: OR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05–1.64). Conclusion The study found that adolescents who were not residing with their parents faced an increased risk of anxiety. These adolescents therefore may require anxiety reduction-oriented care.