Parenting-Related Factors Associated With Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cureus. 2026 Feb 10;18(2):e103388. doi: 10.7759/cureus.103388. eCollection 2026 Feb.

ABSTRACT

Aging populations and the increasing burden of depression and anxiety highlight the need to identify modifiable psychosocial determinants. Parenting-related factors may influence depression and anxiety risk and severity, but findings remain heterogeneous. We conducted a PRISMA-based systematic review and meta-analysis examining associations between parenting-related factors and depression and anxiety outcomes. MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL were searched from inception through 2025. Observational studies reporting quantitative associations were included, and effect estimates were synthesized using random-effects meta-analysis where appropriate. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Fifty-two studies were included. Quantitative synthesis indicated significant associations for several parenting-related factors. In meta-analyses, parental self-efficacy showed a large association with depression (d = 0.96), parenting stress showed strong associations with depression (d = 0.75) and anxiety (d = 0.74), and parent-child relationship quality and warmth/support were associated with lower depression. Findings emphasize that depression and anxiety are not driven by parental status alone but are associated with relational and psychosocial parenting-related dimensions. These results support targeting modifiable parenting-related mechanisms (e.g., stress, self-efficacy, relationship quality) in prevention and intervention strategies.

PMID:41835695 | PMC:PMC12982932 | DOI:10.7759/cureus.103388