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Mediation

Harsh Parenting Linked to Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Rural Chinese Adolescents

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A new study published in the Journal of Psychology, Health & Medicine has found a significant correlation between harsh parenting and emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in rural Chinese adolescents. The research, conducted by a team of researchers from Harbin Medical University, aimed to investigate the associations between harsh parenting and EBPs, as well as the mediating roles of insecure attachment and psychological resilience in this relationship. The study found that harsh parenting was positively associated with EBPs in rural adolescents, and that both insecure attachment and psychological resilience mediated this relationship. A chain mediation effect was also found, with insecure attachment and psychological resilience jointly mediating the association between harsh parenting and EBPs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Harsh parenting was prevalent in rural China, with 537 students from two rural junior high schools participating in the study.
  • Self-report measures were administered using the Harsh Parenting Scale, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, the Adolescent Attachment Questionnaire, and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.
  • The study found a positive association between harsh parenting and emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in rural adolescents.
  • Insecure attachment and psychological resilience mediated the relationship between harsh parenting and EBPs.
  • A chain mediation effect was found, with insecure attachment and psychological resilience jointly mediating the association between harsh parenting and EBPs.
  • The study suggests that family- and individual-level interventions aimed at preventing emotional and behavioral problems may be effective in rural China.

Statistics:

  • 537 students from two rural junior high schools participated in the study.
  • 92.5% of students reported experiencing harsh parenting.
  • 75% of students exhibited emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs).
  • The Harsh Parenting Scale showed a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.85, indicating good reliability.
  • The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.90, indicating excellent reliability.

Sources:

  • Li Yang, et al. "Harsh parenting and emotional and behavioral problems of rural adolescents: the chain mediation effect of insecure attachment and psychological resilience." Psychology, Health & Medicine. 2025:1-15.
  • NewsRx. "Recent Findings from Harbin Medical University Advance Knowledge in Psychology Health and Medicine (Harsh parenting and emotional and behavioral problems of rural adolescents: the chain mediation effect of insecure attachment and psychological ...)." Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. August 16, 2025; p 4069.

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