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Harsh Parenting, Maternal Depression, and Executive Function in Early Childhood
Julia O Davis1, W Benjamin Goodman2, Yu Bai2
1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Child: Care, Health and Development
|October 4, 2025
Summary
Harsh parenting and maternal depression in early childhood are linked to poorer executive function (EF) skills, including attention and inhibitory control (IC), in young children. These findings emphasize the role of parental well-being in child development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Executive function (EF) is crucial for academic and social-emotional success.
- Early childhood experiences and family environment significantly influence EF development.
- Harsh parenting and maternal depression are potential inhibitors of early EF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between harsh parenting and maternal depression at 30 months.
- To assess the impact of these factors on children's attention and inhibitory control (IC) at 42 months.
Main Methods:
- Utilized parent self-report and observational data from 549 families.
- Employed linear regression models to analyze the effects of parenting factors on child EF.
- Controlled for relevant child and family characteristics.
Main Results:
- Harsh parenting predicted lower child attention and IC skills at 42 months.
- Maternal depression symptoms predicted lower child attention and IC skills at 42 months.
Conclusions:
- Parenting behaviors and parental mental health are vital for early EF development.
- Findings suggest potential targets for early childhood interventions.
- Interventions may focus on improving parental behavior and mental health to foster EF.
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