Do multigenerational homes moderate the intergenerational transmission of maternal adverse childhood experiences?

Background: Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may lead to increased behavioural problems in children. However, the mediating roles of psychological distress and corporal punishment, two common mechanisms underlying the intergenerational transmission of maternal ACEs, in these relations have not been examined in Chinese samples. Multigenerational homes (MGH) are the dominate living arrangement in China; however, limited research focuses on the effects of MGHs on the intergenerational transmission of maternal ACEs.

Objective: This study explored the parallel mediating effects of corporal punishment and psychological distress on the association between maternal ACEs and children’s behaviour and whether MGHs can strengthen or weaken the relationship between maternal ACEs and corporal punishment or psychological distress.

Participants and setting: Participants were 643 three-year-old children and their mothers (mean age of 32.85 years, SD = 3.79) from Wuhu, China.

Methods: Mothers completed online questionnaires measuring ACEs, psychological distress, corporal punishment, their family structure, and children’s behavioural problems. This study used a moderated mediation model.

Results: The findings suggest that psychological distress and corporal punishment mediate the association between maternal ACEs and children’s behavioural problems. The mediating role of corporal punishment was found depend on whether mothers and their children reside in MGHs. MGHs were not found to have a moderating role in the indirect relationship between maternal ACEs and children’s behaviour problems via psychological distress.

Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of addressing psychological distress and corporal punishment when designing interventions targeted Chinese mothers exposed to ACEs and their children, especially those living in MGHs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Psychological distress and corporal punishment have parallel mediating roles in the associations between maternal adverse childhood experiences and offspring behavioural problems.
• Mothers with more adverse childhood experiences and in multigenerational homes were more likely to use corporal punishment.
• Multigenerational homes did not moderate the indirect relationship via psychological distress.