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Perfectionistic Motherhood and Adolescents’ Internalizing Problems: A Mediation Model Through Maternal Psychological Distress

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of maternal psychological distress in the link between maternal perfectionism and adolescents’ internalizing problems. Method: The sample of the study consisted of 380 adolescents attending middle schools and their mothers. As data collection tools, mothers were administered a Demographic Information Form, the Multidimensional Parenting Perfectionism Scale (MPPS), and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21); adolescents were administered a Demographic Information Form and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: The results indicated that maternal perfectionism was positively associated with maternal psychological distress and with adolescents’ internalizing problems. A significant positive relationship was found between maternal psychological distress and adolescents’ internalizing problems. The indirect effect of maternal perfectionism on adolescents’ internalizing problems through maternal psychological distress was statistically significant (B = 0.01, Boot SE = 0.005, 95% CI [0.009, 0.03]). Conclusion: The findings suggest that parental perfectionism represents a critical mechanism in children’s psychological development. Maternal psychological distress also emerged as a salient factor within this model

Source: Psikiyatride Guncel Yaklasimlar - Current Approaches in Psychiatry

DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1899951

Authors: Ayşenur Uyanık, Servet Kaçar Başaran, Rukiye Kızıltepe

Institutions: Pamukkale University, Bakırçay Üniversitesi

Language: Turkish

Topic: Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Türkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Araştırma Kurumu