Parenting stress as a mediator of trauma exposure and mental health outcomes in young children

Abstract

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) significantly impacts outcomes for children in behavioral health systems of care (SOCs). The present study built on previous research that found parenting stress influences outcomes for children exposed to PTEs. The sample included 184 young children and their families who were enrolled in an early childhood SOC. Path analyses demonstrated that parenting stress mediated the relationship between the number of PTEs a child experienced and caregiver-reported internalizing/externalizing problem behaviors at baseline. Parenting stress also mediated PTEs and internalizing problem behaviors at 6 months. In response to the culmination of these studies, we discuss ways SOCs can support parents to help alleviate parenting stress.