Abstract. Research indicates that a significant proportion of parents and children with a family member suffering from a mental disorder experience depression, highlighting the high vulnerability of these groups to psychological distress. The present study focuses on analyzing the predictors of depression in individuals caring for a family member (child or parent) with a mental disorder, compared to a control group. 167 participants have been assessed: 82 parents of children with mental disorder, 46 adults caring for a parent with a mental disorder, and a control group of 39 individuals. The following instruments were used: Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R), Profile of Mental Well-Being (PERMA), Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ), Learned Helplessness Scale (LHS), Proactive Coping Inventory (PCI), Social Anxiety Scale (SSA), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The study identifies specific factors influencing the development of depression across the three compared groups. The findings may be applied in clinical practice for screening and prevention purposes, as well as for identifying areas requiring support within the therapeutic process.

Key words: predictors of depression, life orientation, mental well-being, learned helplessness, self-esteem, coping strategies, care for a mentally ill family member

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