The Mediating Role of Parental Emotional Distress in the Relationship Between Neuroticism and Children’s Emotional and Behavioral Problems: A Network Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling Study

Abstract

Emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) experienced by children have become an important global health issue requiring immediate attention. Previous studies have shown that parental neuroticism is associated with EBPs in children. However, the mechanisms underlying this association have yet to be fully elucidated. This study examined the relationship between parental neuroticism and preschoolers’ EBPs, focusing on the mediating role of parental emotional distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, and somatization). In addition, to gain a deeper understanding of children’s emotional and behavioral difficulties, this study constructed a comprehensive network of preschoolers’ EBPs to investigate the interconnections among individual symptoms. A total of 1216 Chinese families (Mchildren age = 4.46 years; 47.6% girls) participated in this study, completing the Chinese Big Five Personality Inventory, Brief Symptom Inventory, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (SEM) and network analysis. The results showed that parental neuroticism was positively associated with children’s EBPs, and this relationship was partially mediated by parental emotional distress. “Constantly fidgeting or squirming”, “stealing from home, kindergarten, or other places”, “often unhappy‚ depressed or tearful”, and “many fears‚ easily scared” emerged as the most central symptoms in the network of EBPs. These findings hold significant implications for enhancing well-being among parents and their preschool children, suggesting that parents should prevent the spread of negative emotions such as anxiety and depression. Timely, targeted interventions focusing on central symptoms of EBPs are essential for promoting children’s mental well-being.