Relation Between Parent Symptomatology and Youth Problems: Multiple Mediation Through Family Income and Parent–Youth Stress

Abstract

This study tested whether family income and stress in the parent-youth relationship might mediate links between parent symptoms and youth problems, and whether the process might differ for youth externalizing versus internalizing problems. We used a multiple mediation technique to test pathways by which family income and stress in the parent-child relationship might relate to parent-youth symptom associations in a sample of clinically-referred 7-13 year-olds (32% female; M age = 10.16 years). Family income and stress jointly mediated the relation between parent symptoms and youth externalizing problems but not between parent symptoms and youth internalizing problems. Future longitudinal research should investigate whether low income and parent-youth stress may deplete the parental resources needed to manage youth externalizing behavior. This study extends existing literature by suggesting a specific pattern by which two identified risk factors for youth problems may operate jointly, and by showing specificity to externalizing problems.

Peer Victimization and Aggressive Behavior Among Chinese Adolescents: Delinquent Peer Affiliation as a Mediator and Parental Knowledge as a Moderator

“…This finding is congruent with social network theory and social learning mechanisms. The indirect effects of peer victimization on aggressive behavior were mediated by delinquent peer affiliation, which was congruent with prior studies showing that delinquent peer affiliation mediated peer context influences on adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems ( Chen et al, 2015 ; Zhu et al, 2016 ).…”

Parental support buffers the association of depressive symptoms with cortisol and C-reactive protein during adolescence

“…The development of affective disorders during adolescence may be a product of neurophysiological changes in social-affective processing during puberty (Byrne, O’Brien-Simpson, Mitchell, & Allen, 2015; Crone & Dahl, 2012; Nelson et al, 2005). Adolescents show heightened emotional responsiveness and physiological reactivity to social stimuli and experiences compared to adults (Monk et al, 2003; Sumter, Bokhorst, Miers, Van Pelt, & Westenberg, 2010).…”

“…This glucocorticoid resistance is one pathway that can lead to chronic inflammation and the persistence of depression-like symptoms. In addition to affecting HPA activity, growing evidence suggests that hormonal changes during puberty may be associated with increased risk for depression and inflammation, especially among chronically distressed youth (Byrne et al, 2015; G. E. Miller & Cole, 2012; Mitchell & Goldstein, 2014).…”

Developmental Psychopathology in a Racial/Ethnic Minority Group: Are Cultural Risks Relevant?

“…Foremost, parental psychopathology has been consistently linked to YASB. 7,8 Parental stress and level of social support may also be relevant according to empirical studies. 8–10 As the literature on risk factors for YASB is mostly based on evidence derived from studies of nonminority youth and families, understanding processes in Latino families requires considering both universal and racial/ethnic minority group–specific factors.…”

“…7,8 Parental stress and level of social support may also be relevant according to empirical studies. 8–10 As the literature on risk factors for YASB is mostly based on evidence derived from studies of nonminority youth and families, understanding processes in Latino families requires considering both universal and racial/ethnic minority group–specific factors. For instance, social support has a positive influence on parenting behaviors among Latino parents 11 and might be a particularly important predictor of positive youth outcomes because of the cultural emphasis on family connections and communal values.…”