The associations between intensive mothering beliefs, maternal overparenting behavior and Chinese preschoolers' behavioral problems

Introduction Intensive mothering (IM) has become the prevalent motherhood ideology in many societies, however, the current understanding of how IM beliefs are associated with young children's development outcomes remains limited. Methods The present study examined the associations between IM beliefs, maternal overparenting behavior, and Chinese preschoolers' behavioral problems. A sample of 1,025 Chinese mothers ( Mean age = 36.42 years, SD = 3.42) and their children ( Mean age = 4.94 years, SD = 0.72) from eight kindergartens in Shanghai, China participated in this study. Results and Discussion Results showed that mothers' endorsement of essentialist, challenging, and child-centered IM beliefs accounted for significant variances in children's internalizing and externalizing behaviors. In addition, stronger endorsement of IM beliefs related to higher maternal overparenting and overparenting behavior partially accounted for the associations between IM beliefs and children's behavioral problems. These findings highlight how prevalent intensive mothering ideologies may shape parenting practices and children's social-emotional adjustment in early childhood. Implications for family professionals and early childhood practitioners were discussed.