Relationship between parenting stress profiles, work-family conflict, and adolescent problem behavior: Variable-centered and person-centered approaches

BACKGROUND: Adolescent problem behaviors, including both internalizing (e.g., emotional symptoms) and externalizing difficulties (e.g., conduct problems, hyperactivity), are a significant risk factor in adolescent development. This study assessed the impact of maternal parenting stress on adolescent problem behaviors and explored mechanisms underlying this relationship. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) identify potential profiles of maternal parenting stress, (2) examine differences in adolescent problem behaviors across these profiles, and (3) determine whether maternal work-family conflict mediates the relationship between maternal stress profiles and adolescent problem behaviors. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 846 mother-child subject pairs through self-report instruments completed by both mothers and adolescents. Standardized measures were used to assess parenting stress, work-family conflict, and problem behavior. The data were subsequently analyzed using latent profile analysis and mediation analysis. RESULT: (1) Four maternal stress profiles were identified: low-stress, middle-stress-low interaction disorder, middle-stress, and high-stress profiles. (2) Significant differences in adolescent problem behaviors were observed across these profiles. (3) The other three profiles significantly predicted adolescent problem behaviors compared to the low-stress group. (4) Using the low-stress type as the reference, maternal work interference with family significantly mediated the relationship between the remaining three stress profiles and adolescent problem behaviors.