학령전환기 자녀의 성별에 따른 어머니 양육스트레스와 자녀 문제행동의 관계: 모-자녀상호작용과 아동 집행기능 곤란의 다중직렬매개효과 검증

Abstract

This study examined the mediating pathways of mother-child interaction and executive function difficulties in the relationship between maternal parenting stress and child problem behaviors among mothers of first-grade elementary school children. Additionally, it investigated whether the mediating effects differed by child gender. A multiple-group analysis within a serial multiple mediation model was conducted using R and Mplus 8. The results of the analysis were as follows. First, mother-child interaction did not significantly mediate the relationship between maternal parenting stress and child problem behaviors, regardless of child gender. Second, executive function difficulties significantly mediated the relationship between maternal parenting stress and child problem behaviors, regardless of child gender. Lastly, the sequential mediation effect of maternal parenting stress on child problem behaviors through mother-child interaction and executive function difficulties was significant only in the group of mothers raising boys; however, the difference in mediation effects between groups was not statistically significant. Therefore, mother-child interaction and executive function difficulties serve as crucial mediating variables that significantly strengthen the impact of maternal parenting stress on child problem behaviors. These findings highlight the necessity of interventions through policies, education, and counseling programs in family, school, and community settings to support the mental health of mothers with school-transitioning children and to facilitate children's smooth adjustment to school and society