Poster #70 - Child Externalizing Problems Predicting Later Depressive Symptoms: Comparing Multiple Stressors as Mediators

• In Event: Poster Session 10

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated a reciprocal association between child externalizing problems and parent depression (Gross et al., 2008). However, mechanisms underlying the association remain unclear. Multiple facets of stress have been implicated as possible mechanisms (Lim and Shim, 2021). However, few studies have examined child-driven effects where externalizing behaviors predict later parent stress and depression. Furthermore, no studies have considered child-driven effects while comparing multiple types of stressors. Multiple stressors coexist within households; by examining multiple stressors simultaneously, better targets can be identified to prevent parental depression. The present study examined multiple types of stress as potential mediators of the association between child externalizing behaviors and parent depressive symptoms. Stressors examined included negative, problematic perceptions surrounding parenting (parenting-related distress), the degree of normative, everyday experiences of parenting difficulties (parenting daily hassles), and more general life events stress. We hypothesized parenting-related distress to explain the most variance given that it reflects the perceived difficulty of the parent–child relationship. The sample included 126 children ages 3–7 years, parents, and secondary caregivers (daycare providers, teachers, relatives) from a longitudinal study. Children’s externalizing problems were assessed via parent- and secondary caregiver-report on the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment. Parent depressive symptoms were self-reported via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale–Revised. Parents self-reported their stressful experiences. Parenting-related distress was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index Short Form. The Parenting Daily Hassles Frequency scale assessed parenting daily hassles. The Life Event Scale assessed overall life stress. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze lagged associations where externalizing problems predicted parent stress and depression 9 months later. Consistent with prior research, children’s externalizing behaviors were marginally associated with parent depressive symptoms 9 months later (β = .155, p = .093). After adding stressors to the model, the total indirect effect was significant (β = .095, p = .034). Children’s externalizing behaviors were associated with later parenting-related distress, marginally associated with later parenting daily hassles, and not associated with later life stress (see Figure 1). Only parenting-related distress predicted later depressive symptoms. The indirect effect of parenting-related distress was marginally significant (β = .089, p = .054; see Table 1). This is the first study to establish parenting-related distress as a possible mediator in the association between children’s externalizing behaviors and later parent depressive symptoms. This study compared multiple stressors and supports that parenting-related distress robustly predicts later parent depression. Results suggest the importance of targeting parenting-related distress, more so than daily parenting hassles or general life events, to prevent future depression in response to children’s externalizing behavior. Therefore, when parents are distressed within parent–child interactions, interventions that emphasize shifting the perception of the parent–child relationship to a more positive outlook may prevent parental depression. Moreover, given the reciprocal effects between child behavior and parental depression, alleviating parent depression may also reduce child externalizing problems. The present study demonstrates the value of examining multiple types of stressors simultaneously to elucidate mechanistic linkages between child and parent psychopathology.

Authors

• Micah Alan Williams, University of Iowa
  Presenting Author

• Ben Swanson, University of Iowa

• Isaac T. Petersen, University of Iowa