The Impact of Maternal Childhood Trauma on Children’s Problem Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Maternal Depression and the Moderating Role of Mindful Parenting

Abstract

Objective

This study investigates the impact of maternal childhood trauma on children’s problem behaviors, focusing on the mediating role of maternal depression and the moderating role of mindful parenting.

Methods

The study used a convenience sampling method to survey 385 mother-child pairs from kindergartens in Jinan, China. Data were collected in two waves, and various validated questionnaires were used to assess maternal childhood trauma, depression, mindful parenting, and children’s problem behaviors.

Results

Maternal childhood trauma positively predicted children’s problem behaviors. Maternal depression was found to mediate this relationship. Mindful parenting moderated the effects of maternal childhood trauma and depression on children’s problem behaviors, with high levels of mindful parenting mitigating these adverse effects.

Conclusion

Maternal childhood trauma impacts children’s problem behaviors both directly and indirectly through maternal depression. Mindful parenting serves as a protective factor, reducing the negative impact of maternal childhood trauma and depression on children’s problem behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of interventions aimed at enhancing mindful parenting practices to improve child outcomes.