Exploring the Moderating Role of Female Caregiver Perceived Stress in the Indirect Relationship between Caregiver Proactive Coping, Autonomy Support, and Early Adolescent Anxiety and Depression Symptoms

This study examines how caregiver proactive coping, perceived autonomy support, and caregiver stress relate to early adolescent anxiety and depression. Drawing on self-determination theory and proactive coping theory, data from 265 female caregivers and their adolescents (ages 11–14) were analyzed using a conditional indirect association model. Results show that caregiver proactive coping is linked with greater adolescent-perceived autonomy support, which is associated with lower levels of adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms. This indirect relationship is moderated by caregiver stress: under low stress, proactive coping is associated with higher levels of autonomy-supportive parenting and lower levels of adolescent anxiety and depression symptoms. In contrast, high caregiver stress weakens this association. Findings highlight the importance of strengthening caregiver coping strategies and addressing stress to promote autonomy-supportive environments that enhance adolescent emotional well-being. The study informs interventions aimed at enhancing family functioning and reducing youth mental health concerns by strengthening caregiver resources.