Contextual wellbeing and mental wellbeing for child-parent dyads: school engagement as a mediator

Abstract Background Given the interconnected lives of children and parents, the family, school, and work contexts play a key role in shaping their mental wellbeing. While research has established clear links between school-related wellbeing and mental wellbeing for adolescents and young adults, similar results for younger children are lacking. Additionally, the relationships between work-related wellbeing, parental school engagement, and mental wellbeing have been less explored. This study aims to explore the individual and dyadic effects of contextual wellbeing, that is school- and work-related well-being, on the mental wellbeing of children and their parents. In addition, the buffering effects of school engagement are examined, highlighting the public health significance of understanding these dynamics to inform supportive interventions. Methods This study utilizes data from the Finnish CONSENSUS project, with survey responses from 307 child-parent dyads (children in grades 4-6 and their parents). By using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model, the study explores the dyadic processes between contextual wellbeing and mental wellbeing, with the mediating effects of school engagement. Results Preliminary results indicate significant direct and indirect effects between contextual wellbeing (school/work), school engagement and mental wellbeing for both children and parents. These findings highlight the interconnected nature of contextual wellbeing and mental wellbeing within families, and the mediating effects of school engagement. Conclusions By considering both individual and dyadic effects, this study moves beyond traditional individual-focused approaches, recognizing the interconnection between children and their parents. The results emphasize the importance of considering family-, school- and work-related wellbeing indicators, when designing mental wellbeing interventions and developing policies to enhance public health. Key messages • The interconnected roles and contexts that children and their parents navigate influence their mental wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these settings in health promotion efforts. • The study highlights family-, school, and work-related wellbeing as a key to mental wellbeing, emphasizing the need for recognizing the importance of different contexts for interventions and policies.