The role of parental stress on emotional and behavioral problems in offspring: a systematic review with meta-analysis
2024

Parental Stress and Children's Emotional and Behavioral Problems

Sample size: 31183 publication Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Ribas Larissa H., Montezano Bruno B., Nieves Maria, Kampmann Luiza B., Jansen Karen

Primary Institution: Universidade Católica de Pelotas

Hypothesis

Is there a relationship between parental stress and emotional/behavioral problems in children?

Conclusion

Parental stress predicts emotional and behavioral problems in school-age children.

Supporting Evidence

  • Parental stress is significantly associated with emotional and behavioral problems in offspring.
  • Maternal parenting stress correlates with peer relationship problems and emotional symptoms.
  • Parental stress can lead to chaotic and hostile family environments, negatively impacting children's emotional functioning.
  • Children whose mothers reported consistently high levels of stress during pregnancy were at a higher risk of emotional and behavioral problems.

Takeaway

When parents are stressed, it can make their kids feel sad or act out. Helping parents manage their stress can help kids be happier.

Methodology

This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 studies examining the link between parental stress and children's emotional and behavioral problems.

Potential Biases

Potential publication bias exists as studies confirming relationships are more likely to be published.

Limitations

The study's findings may be limited by the heterogeneity of parental stress evaluation measures and the variability in age ranges of children included.

Participant Demographics

The studies included children aged 5 to 10 years, with a total sample size of 31,183.

Statistical Information

P-Value

<0.001

Confidence Interval

[95 % CI: 0.27 - 0.61]

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1016/j.jped.2024.02.003

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