Maternal adverse childhood experiences and behavioral problems in Chinese preschool children: The moderated mediating role of emotional dysregulation and self-compassion

Abstract

BackgroundThe negative effects of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may have a direct intergenerational effect on a child's behavior. This topic has been widely examined, but few studies have explored the underlying mechanism and protective factors influencing maternal ACEs and offspring's behavioral problems in the Chinese context. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mediating effect of emotional dysregulation on the relationship between maternal ACEs and offspring behavior and examine whether self-compassion can moderate this association. Participants and settingThe participants were 2282 preschoolers (52 % male) with a mean age of M = 62.63 months (SD = 9.28) and their mothers. They were from northern, central, and southern Anhui Province China, and data were collected in relation to the family's socioeconomic status by population density of children in the region. MethodsData were collected from the mothers with respect to maternal ACEs, emotional dysregulation, and self-compassion. Mothers provided information regarding children's behavior and demographic characteristics. A moderated mediation model was analyzed through SPSS. ResultsFirst, the presence of maternal ACEs was positively associated with offspring behavioral problems. Second, maternal emotional dysregulation mediated the relationship between ACEs and offspring behavioral problems. Third, mothers' self-compassion moderated the indirect relationship between ACEs and offspring behavioral problems via emotional dysregulation. ConclusionsOur findings highlight the critical role of emotional dysregulation and self-compassion in the relationship between maternal ACEs and offspring behavioral problems. Interventions should target maternal emotional dysregulation and self-compassion to minimize the risk of intergeneration transmission of negative effects.