The Influence of Depression on Co-Parenting in Parents of Preschool Children: The Mediating Effects of Self-Esteem and Family Interaction

This study aims to investigate the roles of self-esteem and family interaction in the effect of depression on co-parenting among mothers and fathers with preschool children. Data from the 7th wave of the Korean Children’s Panel Survey (2014), conducted by the Korea Institute of Child Care and Education, were used, focusing on 1,474 mothers and 1,474 fathers (2,948 participants) with children aged 6 (72 to 79 months). The main findings of the study are as follows: First, maternal depression had significant direct effects on co-parenting, as well as significant indirect effects through self-esteem and family interaction. The dual mediating effects via self-esteem and family interaction were also significant. Second, paternal depression did not have a significant direct effect on co-parenting, but it did have significant indirect effects through self-esteem and family interaction. The dual mediating effects via self-esteem and family interaction were also significant. This study highlights that maternal depression directly impacts co-parenting and that depression in both mothers and fathers, as an internal factor, affects family interactions, which in turn influences their cooperative relationship in child-rearing.