The role of parenting in mitigating the impact of adverse childhood experiences on mental health: Results from a population-based sample

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are well-established predictors of poor mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Maternal and paternal parenting behaviors, particularly parental warmth, rejection, and control may influence the psychological trajectories of individuals exposed to ACEs. However, the differential roles of maternal and paternal parenting behaviors remain underexplored. This study investigates the moderating effects of maternal and paternal warmth, control, and rejection during childhood on the relationship between ACEs and mental health outcomes, focusing on mental health problems. Between February 3 rd and April 1 st 2020, a representative sample of the German population (n=2,331; 50.4.% female; mean age = 49.5 years, SD = 17.4) was assessed through validated self-report questionnaires. Participants retrospectively reported on ACEs, recalled maternal and paternal parenting behaviors, and current mental health problems (Brief Symptom Inventory - GSI). Moderation analyses were conducted to examine whether maternal and paternal parenting behaviors influenced the association between ACEs and mental health problems, controlling for age and sex. Maternal warmth was significantly associated with fewer mental health problems, serving as a protective factor ( b = -0.08, p < .001). Maternal rejection independently predicted mental health problems ( b = 0.13, p < .001) regardless of ACE exposure. In contrast, maternal control heightened vulnerability in a context-dependent manner, interacting with ACE maltreatment exposure to amplify mental health problems (interaction b = 0.11, p < .001). In the context of household dysfunction, maternal control independently predicted mental health problems ( b = 0.08, p = .003). While paternal warmth, rejection, and control were significantly correlated with mental health outcomes, only maternal control significantly moderated the relationship between ACEs and mental health problems. These findings underscore the importance of maternal caregiving behaviors and highlight the need for targeted family-based interventions addressing maternal behaviors, as well as further research into paternal caregiving roles, family structures, and cultural variations. • Maternal behaviors, especially warmth, play a crucial role in shaping mental health outcomes following adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). • Maternal rejection and overcontrol significantly increase the risk of negative psychological effects after childhood adversity. • The influence of maternal caregiving is emphasized due to early attachment and societal norms, overshadowing paternal behaviors in this context. • Equitable parental leave policies and targeted parenting interventions promoting maternal warmth can mitigate long-term impacts of ACEs. • Future research should explore diverse family structures, paternal roles, generational effects, and longitudinal dynamics to better understand parenting influences on resilience.