Cognitive Biases as Mediators Between Child Externalizing Behaviors and Parental Stress: A Dyadic Mediation Model

Research has consistently linked preschool child externalizing behaviors with elevated parental stress. Prior studies have highlighted the role of parenting behaviors and parental cognitions, such as self-efficacy beliefs, in mediating this relationship. However, less attention has been given to the possibility that children’s externalizing behaviors may evoke attentional and memory biases in parents, leading them to disproportionately focus on or recall their child’s negative behaviors, thereby contributing to stress. Cognitive biases are recognized mechanisms underlying stress processes. The current study examined (a) whether parental attention and memory biases mediate the relationship between child externalizing behaviors and parental stress, and (b) differences between mothers and fathers in these cognitive pathways (actor effects), as well as potential crossover effects between parents (partner effects). The sample comprised 43 heterosexual couples with at least one child aged 3 to 6 years. Using an actor-partner interdependence model extended to mediation, the results indicate that memory biases—but not attentional biases—mediate the relationship between child externalizing behaviors and parental stress, particularly for fathers. Fathers were more likely to recall their child’s negative emotions and behaviors, which contributed to higher stress. No significant crossover effects were observed between mothers and fathers. These findings suggest that interventions, particularly those targeting memory bias modification, may be especially beneficial for fathers by addressing early cognitive schemas related to their child’s behavior.