The association between maternal and paternal parenting styles and adolescents’ overall mental problem: a longitudinal study

Abstract Background Adolescent mental problems are complex and increasingly prevalent. Parenting style is a key modifiable factor, yet differences between maternal and paternal influences remain underexplored. Methods A cohort of 8,842 Chinese adolescents underwent dual-wave assessments (Sep 2022 to Sep 2023). Parenting styles were assessed using short Chinese version of the Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostra scale. Mental problems were assessed using Mental Health Inventory of Middle School Students, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Mixed-effect models explored associations between parenting styles and adolescent’ mental problems. Latent transition analysis modeled mental problem profile dynamics. Results Both paternal and maternal rejection and overprotection were associated with increased risks of multiple mental problems, whereas emotional warmth was protective. Latent profile analysis across ten domains (academic stress, maladjustment, hostility, psychological imbalance, interpersonal sensitivity, emotional instability, compulsiveness, paranoia, depression and anxiety) identified three profiles: low (L), moderate (M), and severe (S). Notably, paternal emotional warmth significantly improved overall mental problem trajectories (e.g. M→L: odds ratio [OR], 1.62; 95%CI, 1.19–2.21), whereas maternal rejection and over-protection predicted deterioration (e.g. L→M: rejection; OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.83–3.49 vs. over-protection; OR, 1.81; 95%CI, 1.29–2.54), with maternal rejection exerting the stronger adverse association. Conclusions Maternal and paternal parenting styles exerted distinct influences on adolescent mental problems. Father’s emotional warmth was associated with more favorable overall mental problem trajectories, while maternal rejection and over-protection predicted poorer outcomes, particularly the rejection. These findings suggest that interventions should differentiate between maternal and paternal roles when addressing adolescent mental problems.