Overreactive parenting links maternal depressive symptoms and child prosocial behaviors among mother-child dyads in Western China.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Children's prosocial development may be influenced by maternal depressive symptoms (MDS), but how overreactive parenting relates to both factors remains unclear. This study examined the associations among overreactive parenting, MDS, and child prosocial behaviors from mother-child dyads in western China.

Methods

We analyzed cross-sectional data from 16,258 mother-child dyads when children were aged 3-6 years. Data were collected between February 28 and March 5, 2025. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure MDS. Children's prosocial behavior was assessed through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Overreactive parenting was evaluated using the Parenting Scale. Associations between MDS, overreactive parenting

SUBMITTER: Chen X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12918021 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature