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Parenting-Related Factors Associated With Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Mohammed M Al-Thiab1, Majed M Alshehri2, Abdulrahman S AlQumayzi1
1Psychiatry, Armed Forces Hospital in Southern Region, Khamis Mushayt, SAU.
Cureus
|March 16, 2026
Summary
Parenting stress and low self-efficacy are linked to higher depression and anxiety. Improving parent-child relationships and support can reduce these risks, highlighting key targets for mental health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Mental Health
Background:
- Aging populations face increasing rates of depression and anxiety.
- Identifying modifiable psychosocial factors is crucial for mental health.
- Parenting-related factors may influence depression and anxiety, but evidence is inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze associations between parenting factors and depression/anxiety.
- To synthesize quantitative data from observational studies.
- To identify specific parenting dimensions impacting mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- PRISMA-based systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL.
- Included 52 observational studies, assessed risk of bias, and synthesized effect estimates using random-effects meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- Parental self-efficacy showed a large association with depression (d = 0.96).
- Parenting stress strongly correlated with depression (d = 0.75) and anxiety (d = 0.74).
- Positive parent-child relationship quality and warmth/support were linked to lower depression.
Conclusions:
- Depression and anxiety are associated with psychosocial and relational parenting dimensions, not just parental status.
- Modifiable parenting factors like stress, self-efficacy, and relationship quality are important targets.
- These findings support interventions aimed at improving parenting mechanisms for mental health prevention and treatment.
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