Developmental Dynamics of Parent‐Child Relationships and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Early Adolescents: Longitudinal Mediating Role of Perceived Stress
Longitudinal trial examines how perceived stress mediates parent-child relationships and depression in Chinese early adolescents.
Key Points
This research aims to explore the developmental changes in parent-child relationships and depressive symptoms, focusing on perceived stress as a mediator.
Sample of 604 Chinese early adolescents was followed across three waves over one year.
Applied parallel process latent growth curve modelling and longitudinal mediation models with random intercepts for analysis.
Investigated the relationship dynamics across different time points with emphasis on perceived stress as a key mediator.
Parent-child relationship quality declined linearly, while perceived stress and depressive symptoms increased across three waves.
No significant baseline association between parent-child relationship quality and depressive symptoms was found.
Perceived stress significantly mediated the relationship between initial parent-child quality and subsequent depressive symptoms.