Parental and Adolescent Internalizing Problems: The Role of Inappropriate Parenting Practices

ABSTRACT Introduction Adolescence is a developmental period marked by increased vulnerability to internalizing problems. Parental internalizing symptoms represent a key risk factor, yet mechanisms of transmission and differential maternal and paternal contributions remain insufficiently understood. This study examined the role of inappropriate parenting practices in the intergenerational transmission of internalizing problems and tested measurement invariance across family members. Methods Data were collected in Croatia during the 2021/2022 school year using a cross‐sectional survey design. The sample included 361 family triads ( N = 1083; adolescents aged 14–17 years, M = 15.14, 55% female; biological mothers and fathers). Adolescents and parents completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS‐21), and adolescents reported on parenting practices using the Parents as Social Context Questionnaire (PASCQ). Structural Equation Modeling was conducted following tests of measurement invariance. Results Full measurement invariance was established for internalizing symptoms and partial invariance for parenting practices. In the joint triadic model, maternal internalizing problems directly predicted adolescents' internalizing problems, whereas paternal internalizing problems did not retain a significant unique direct effect. Separate analyses indicated that paternal effects were consistent with an indirect pathway via maternal internalizing problems. Inappropriate parenting practices were significant independent predictors of adolescent internalizing problems but did not mediate associations between parental and adolescent symptoms. Conclusions Findings highlight distinct maternal and paternal pathways of risk and underscore the importance of modeling parental interdependence in family research. Preventive efforts should address both parental mental health and parenting practices within the broader family system.