The Effect of Social Support on Infant Mother's Parenting Behavior: The Mediating Effects of Parenting Stress and Depression

This study examined the effect of social support on infant mother's parenting behavior and mediating effects of parenting stress and depression between social support and maternal parenting behavior. Participants were 2078 mothers of infant (4-10 month) in Korea. Data were analyzed by Structural Equation Model. Major findings were as follows: First, social support showed direct effect on maternal parenting behavior. That was the more mother receive social support, mother show responsive and warmer parenting behavior on infant. Second, maternal parenting stress mediated the effect of social support on maternal parenting behavior. That was the more mother receive social support, the less mother experience parenting stress, which in turn contribute to responsive and warm parenting behavior. Third, Maternal depression didn't mediate the effect of social support on maternal parenting behavior. However, social support and maternal parenting stress showed direct effects on maternal depression. This research suggest the needs for development of diverse social support policies and program to help mothers reduce maternal parenting stress and depression. ▲주요어(Key Words) : 사회 적 지원(social support), 영아 기 자녀 를 둔 어머니(Infant mother) 양육행동(parenting behavior), 양육스트레