Partner Support as a Buffer between Parental Depressive Symptoms and Parental Engagement

Abstract

The risks and economic pressures experienced by low-income families can lead to psychological distress such as depressive symptoms (Masarik & Conger, 2017), which can impact parenting behaviors. The present study addressed how parental depressive symptoms might be a risk associated to parent-child relationships, especially positive parental engagement. Using a risk and resilience framework, the current study is the first to explore three forms of partner support (emotional support, financial support, and emergency child-care support) as potential protective factors that buffer the association between depressive symptoms and parental engagement among N = 3,165 mothers and fathers of three-year-olds. Participants were predominantly unmarried and from diverse minority ethnic backgrounds (Hispanic= 24%, Black Non-Hispanic=57%, White Non-Hispanic=17%, and other race=2%). Results indicated that parental depressive symptoms are negatively associated with positive parental engagement. The more depressive symptoms a parent is experiencing, the less likely they are to participate in positive parental engagement activities (e.g., singing, playing). Findings also suggested that emergency child-care partner support was a protective factor only for fathers. Emotional partner support and financial partner support were not a significant buffer for mothers or fathers. Findings highlight the need to address mental health needs in low-income families and explore complex associations between parenting practices and potential protective factors that promote resilience.