The Association between Mindful Parenting, and Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms in Adolescence

Abstract

AbstractInternalizing and externalizing symptoms are common among adolescents, and mindful parenting can play a pivotal role in their prevention. Study 1 explores the association between internalizing and externalizing symptoms and the moderating role of mindful parenting. Study 2 explores the longitudinal association between mindful parenting and externalizing symptoms and whether mindful parenting moderates the longitudinal stability of externalizing symptoms. In Study 1, 420 parents (81.9% mothers) of children aged 12 to 17 (M = 14) completed measures of mindful parenting and their children’s emotional symptoms and conduct problems. In Study 2, 151 adolescents (65.6% girls) aged 12 to 17 (M = 13.9) from Study 1 completed a measure of antisocial behavior two times one year apart. Study 1 found an association between adolescents’ emotional symptoms and conduct problems, and this association was moderated by mindful parenting. The association was significant only in adolescents whose parents reported low levels of the mindful parenting factor called “being in the moment with the child.” Study 2 found an association between antisocial behavior at Wave 1 and 2, and this longitudinal association was moderated by mindful parenting. The longitudinal relationship was statistically significant exclusively among adolescents whose parents reported low levels of “mindful discipline.” Mindful parenting seems to be a protective factor for adolescents’ externalizing symptoms. Specifically, “being in the moment with the child” can diminish the association between emotional symptoms and conduct problems, while “mindful discipline” can be beneficial for reducing the stability of antisocial behavior over time.