The relationship between maternal depression and childhood aggression in rural areas of Northwest China: The mediating role of maternal responsiveness.

• We analyzed the data from 301 mother of preschool children from rural areas of Northwest China to examine the potential mediating role of maternal responsiveness in the relationship between maternal depression and childhood aggression. The results indicated the incidence rate of maternal depression was 39.5% in rural areas of Northwest China, which is relatively high compared with other regions. Moreover, maternal reactivity played a significant mediating role between maternal depression and childhood aggression. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential mediating role of maternal responsiveness in the relationship between maternal depression and childhood aggression in Rural areas of Northwest China. Specifically, we analyzed the data from 301 mother of preschool children from rural areas of Northwest China. The data included maternal depression symptoms, maternal responsiveness, and childhood aggression. Structural equation modeling and regression analysis were conducted. Child's age, child's gender, maternal education and other demographic variables served as control variables. The results indicated the incidence rate of maternal depression was 39.5% in rural areas of Northwest China, which is relatively high compared with other regions. Moreover, maternal reactivity played a significant mediating role between maternal depression and childhood aggression. The implications for research and practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]