Parental age and depression in young adults: Revisiting gender differences

Parental age at childbirth has been increasingly studied due to its potential impact on offspring's mental health, yet evidence remains inconsistent. Few studies have explored its associations with preclinical depressive symptoms, particularly in non-Western contexts. This study examines the associations between parental age at childbirth and offspring depressive symptoms using a nationally representative Taiwanese sample.

Data were derived from the 2016 wave of the Panel Study of Family Dynamics (PSFD), including 1828 young adult offspring aged 25-32 years. Both linear and quadratic forms of parental age were examined to identify potential non-linear relationships. Depressive symptoms were measured using a continuous Depression Score based on validated scales reflecting the frequency of depressive symptoms. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between parental age and offspring depression, including gender-stratified analyses.

Maternal age demonstrated a U-shaped association with offspring depressive symptoms, indicating elevated symptoms among offspring of both younger and older mothers. Paternal age exhibited a linear relationship, with older paternal age associated with fewer symptoms. These associations remained significant after controlling for parental and offspring characteristics, family dynamics, and childhood adversities. Additionally, notable gender differences were observed: maternal age more strongly affected sons, whereas paternal age had a greater impact on daughters.

This study highlights parental age as a meaningful determinant of offspring mental health, with distinct gender-specific patterns. These findings should be considered in developing targeted mental health promotion strategies. Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms driving these gender differences to better inform parenting interventions.