The Effects of Maternal Emotional Dysregulation on Preschoolers’ Problem Behavior: The Mediating Roles of Parenting Efficacy and Parenting Behavior

Objectives: Problem behavior in young children can have lasting negative impacts on their developmental trajectories. Therefore understanding the factors that shape these behaviors during the preschool years is of critical importance. This study examines the direct impact of mothers’ emotional dysregulation on preschoolers' problem behavior, alongside indirect impacts mediated by maternal parenting efficacy and parenting behaviors.Methods: Data were collected from 316 mothers of preschool children (3–5 years old). Mothers completed self-report measures assessing their emotion dysregulation, parenting efficacy, parenting behaviors, and their children’s problem behaviors. Using SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 23.0, data were analyzed via Pearson correlation and structural equation modeling (SEM) to examine direct and indirect paths.Results: No significant direct effect of maternal emotional dysregulation on preschoolers’ problem behavior was observed. However, maternal emotional dysregulation exerted an indirect effect on this behavior via parenting efficacy. It also influenced problem behavior indirectly through parenting behavior. Finally, an indirect effect was found through the sequential mediation of parenting efficacy and parenting behavior.Conclusion: This study integrated maternal emotional dysregulation, parenting efficacy, and caregiving practices within the framework of preventive interventions. Findings highlighted parenting efficacy as the most influential factor affecting preschoolers’ problem behavior. The study provides essential insights for parent-education programs aimed at enhancing maternal parenting efficacy. Furthermore, findings may inform childcare policies by emphasizing the critical role of maternal psychological and emotional well-being in fostering positive child development.