Abstract
BACKGROUND: Maternal depression is a risk factor for children's emotional development,but its specific mechanisms of impact on young children in China,particularly the roles played by child gender and sole status,remain unclear.Clarifying the mediating role of negative parenting styles and the moderating effects of these factors is crucial for developing targeted interventions. CONTEXT: This study is situated within the context of rapid changes in contemporary Chinese family structures.Currently,China has entered a new phase characterized by the "Universal Two-Child" and "Three-Child" policies.The roles of child gender and family size in the family emotional environment require urgent exploration. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 726 mothers of young children in China.The Chinese versions of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale,the Parenting Style Scale,and the Children's Emotional Competence Scale were used.Data were analyzed using correlation,mediation,and multi-group analysis to examine the mediating role of negative parenting styles and the moderating effects of child gender and sole status. RESULTS: The multi-group structural equation modeling analysis supported the moderated mediation model.Maternal depression had significant direct effects on children's emotional competence for girls (b = -0.26,95% CI [-0.40,-0.11]) and non-only children (b = -0.41,95% CI [-0.61,-0.20]),but not for boys or only children.Negative parenting styles served as a significant mediator in all groups,with indirect effects of -0.43 (boys),-0.29(girls),-0.54 (only children),and -0.31(non-only children).Measurement invariance tests confirmed the validity of cross-group comparisons. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Maternal depression impairs young children's emotional development both directly and indirectly through negative parenting styles,with the strength of these effects varying by child gender and family structure.This study suggests that it is essential to strengthen attention to maternal mental health by utilizing community support and psychological counseling to promptly alleviate depressive emotions,thereby reducing the occurrence of negative parenting behaviors at the source.Additionally,targeted parent education programs should be implemented to guide parents in mastering scientific parenting methods,creating a more favorable emotional development environment for vulnerable groups such as boys and only children.