The impact of maternal harsh parenting on depression in primary school students: A three-wave time-lagged study

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of maternal harsh parenting on depression in primary school students in China, with a particular focus on the mediating role of children's emotional regulation and the moderating role of paternal mindful parenting. METHODS: A convenience sampling method was used to survey 536 families in China. Data were collected in three waves, employing a series of validated questionnaires to assess maternal harsh parenting, children's emotional regulation, paternal mindful parenting, and depression in primary school students. RESULTS: Maternal harsh parenting was found to significantly predict depression in primary school students. Children's emotional regulation was identified as a mediator in this relationship. Furthermore, paternal mindful parenting moderated the effects of maternal harsh parenting on both depression in primary school students and emotional regulation. CONCLUSION: Maternal harsh parenting impacts depression in primary school students both directly and indirectly through emotional regulation. Paternal mindful parenting serves as a protective factor, mitigating the negative effects of maternal harsh parenting on both depression and emotional regulation in children. This study highlights the importance of acknowledging the protective role of fathers in child development within family interventions and mental health promotion, especially as a compensatory factor when maternal parenting involves negative behaviors.