The Role of Mindful Parenting and Gender in Parenting Stress, Well-Being, and Mental Health

Objectives Parenting stress can adversely affect parents’ mental health and well-being, and mindful parenting is one resource that may alleviate some of these negative effects. While prior research has demonstrated associations between mindful parenting, parenting stress, and psychological outcomes, few studies have investigated whether mindful parenting moderates the relationship between parenting stress and parental mental health and well-being. Thus, the current study investigated the relationships among parenting stress, aspects of well-being (i.e., life satisfaction, positive and negative affect), and mental health (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms), while considering the roles of mindful parenting and gender. Method A total of 112 adult parents with at least one child under 18 years completed an online survey. Results Regression analyses, controlled for number of children, income, education, and time spent with children per week, were conducted. The results showed that mindful parenting and gender moderated the association of parenting stress on depressive and anxiety symptoms, though differently for women and men. No moderating effects were found for the relationship between parenting stress and positive affect, negative affect, or life satisfaction. Conclusions The findings suggest the significance of mindful parenting as a potential resource for parents, especially mothers, on mental health. Mindful parenting interventions could teach parents this resource that may positively influence parents’ mental health as well as their interactions with their children.