The Effects of Maternal Emotional Wellbeing on Mother–Adolescent Communication and Youth Emotional Wellbeing

Abstract

Communication among children and their parents is consequential for children's development and adjustment. These concerns are particularly relevant for mothers in low-income households, who are more likely to experience depressive symptoms and low self-efficacy than mothers in other socioeconomic groups, with these problems often negatively impacting the emotional wellbeing of children in the household. This study examined associations among maternal emotional wellbeing, parent–adolescent communication, and adolescents' emotional wellbeing in a sample of 93 low-income mothers and adolescents. The results indicated that high reports of maternal self-efficacy were significantly related to perceptions of open and satisfying mother–adolescent communication. In addition, the results showed that open and satisfying mother–adolescent communication was significantly associated with high levels of youth self-efficacy, as well as lower reports of youth depressive symptoms. Practical implications for communication research and interventions targeting families and youth wellbeing are discussed.