The Effect of Marital Satisfaction and Experiential Avoidance on Parental Psychological Flexibility among Mothers of Preschool Children

Background Decreased marital satisfaction among mothers with preschool children in China may increase their risk of reduced parental psychological flexibility. Enhancing maternal marital satisfaction could improve this flexibility, thereby promoting the development of physically and mentally healthier preschool children. Objective This study investigates the association between the marital satisfaction of preschoolers’ mothers and their parental psychological flexibility, as well as the mediating role of maternal experiential avoidance. Methods A total of 335 Chinese mothers of preschoolers from three kindergartens participated in this study and completed the Chinese versions of the Olson Marital Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (II), and the Parental Psychological Flexibility Questionnaire in January 2022. Results This study revealed that higher marital satisfaction of preschoolers’ mothers was associated with greater parental psychological flexibility. Moreover, maternal experiential avoidance was found to mediate the relationship between marital satisfaction and parental psychological flexibility. Conclusion It is essential to explore effective strategies to enhance the marital satisfaction of preschoolers’ mothers and reduce their experiential avoidance. For instance, support from the mother’s family of origin and in-laws, as well as greater childcare involvement from the husband, may enhance maternal marital satisfaction. This, in turn, may reduce experiential avoidance and improve parental psychological flexibility, ultimately having a positive impact on parenting. In addition, mothers can reduce experiential avoidance through acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness practices.