Effects of interparental conflict on children's depression in the context of COVID-19: Does parent–child conflict play a role?

Abstract

BackgroundThe prevalence of depression among children has dramatically increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. ObjectiveThrough focusing on verbal fights, the most common form of family conflict, this study examined the association between interparental conflict and children's depression and explored the mediating role of parent–child conflict. Participants and settingA total of 1005 children (47.0 % females) aged between 9 and 12 years old constituted the analytical subjects, who had been drawn from the 2020 survey of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). MethodsDescriptive statistics were obtained, and bivariate correlation analysis and mediation analysis were performed. ResultsAccording to the Spearman correlation analysis, interparental conflict and children's depression were positively correlated (ρ = 0.214, p < 0.01); moreover, parent–child conflict was significantly positively associated with both interparental conflict (ρ = 0.450, p < 0.01) and children's depression (ρ = 0.224, p < 0.01). Additionally, mediation analysis demonstrated that, after controlling for sociodemographic factors, parent–child conflict operated as a mediator between interparental conflict and children's depression. More specifically, parent–child conflict accounted for 47.6 % of the total effect of interparental conflict on children's depression. ConclusionsThese findings suggested that frequent conflicts between parents predicted increased parent–child conflict, which, in turn, elevated the risk of depression for children. To reduce the risk of children's depression, it is necessary to create a good environment and build a harmonious relationship within the family. At the same time, specific supportive services, such as family therapy, filial therapy, and couple relationship education, should be provided.