Actor–partner association of work–family conflict and parental depressive symptoms during COVID-19 in China: Does coparenting matter?

Abstract

Parental depressive symptoms and their related factors have not been widely examined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current study examined the actor and partner associations of work–family conflict and parental depressive symptoms. Considering the new demands and challenges for families during the COVID-19 pandemic, we further explored the moderation effect of coparenting. A cross-sectional online survey with 985 paired fathers and mothers was conducted in Mainland China. In 11.6% of families, only mothers reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms; in 10.6% families, only fathers reported moderate to severe depressive symptoms; in 9.5% families, the mother and father reported mild to moderate depressive symptoms. Results of the actor–partner interdependence model showed that parental family-to-work conflict was negatively associated with their own depressive symptoms. The negative actor association of maternal family-to-work conflict and depressive symptoms was moderated by undermining coparenting. The partner effects of maternal family-to-work and work-to-family conflicts on paternal depressive symptoms were moderated by undermining coparenting. Moreover, supportive coparenting moderated the actor association of work-to-family conflict and the depressive symptoms of fathers. Results highlight the importance of family-to-work conflict and family function for parental depressive symptoms. These findings can help promote parental well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.