어머니의 우울과 불안이 유아의 불순응과 외현적 문제 행동에 미치는 종단적영향: 어머니 통제적 양육 행동의 매개효과 검증

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the longitudinal influence of maternal depression and anxiety on children’s noncompliance and externalizing behavior problems. In addition, the mediation effect of harsh maternal parenting behavior was examined. Methods: Sixty child-mother dyads participated in a longitudinal study at 3 and 4 years of children’s age. Child-mother interactions were observed and recorded in structured lab settings at time 1 and time 2, and mothers completed subscales of depression and anxiety facets in neuroticism of the five-factor model of personality. Preschool teachers rated children’s externalizing behavior problems using the Korean version of Child Behavior Checklist. Results: Results showed that maternal anxiety at time 1 significantly affected children’s externalizing behavior problems at time 2, but the longitudinal link between children’s noncompliance and externalizing behavior problems were not significant. In particular, harsh maternal parenting behavior mediated the relationship between maternal anxiety and children’s behavior problems. No significant influence of maternal depression was reported. Conclusion: Maternal anxiety was found to be a risk factor for harsh parenting behaviors, and educational interventions for parents with harsh parenting attitude are likely to reduce the negative influence of psychopathological problems of mothers.