The relationship between Resolution of Marital Conflict and Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms: The mediating role of Mother-Adolescent Bonding

The relationship between Resolution of Marital Conflict and Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms: The mediating role of Mother-Adolescent Bonding | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article The relationship between Resolution of Marital Conflict and Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms: The mediating role of Mother-Adolescent Bonding Tesfaye Desalegn, Dame Abera This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9093102/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Revision Version 1 posted 20 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract This study examined whether mother–adolescent bonding mediates the association between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents’ depressive symptoms among secondary school students in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. An explanatory correlational design was employed among Grade 9 and Grade 10 students recruited through multistage-stratified and purposive sampling from two government high schools. The final sample consisted of 845 adolescents (48.6% male), all living with their biological parents, with a mean age of 15.98 years (SD = 0.75). Adolescents completed validated measures assessing perceived parental conflict resolution, mother–adolescent bonding, and depressive symptoms. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to evaluate direct and indirect relationships. Results supported all hypothesized pathways. Resolution of marital conflict was negatively associated with adolescents’ depressive symptoms, and positively associated with mother–adolescent bonding. Mother–adolescent bonding was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The indirect effect indicated that mother–adolescent bonding significantly mediated the relationship between marital conflict resolution and depressive symptoms. Model fit indices demonstrated acceptable fit. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of conflict resolution and supportive mother–adolescent relationships in reducing depressive symptoms among Ethiopian adolescents. Strengthening family relational processes may serve as an important target for mental health promotion and intervention efforts in secondary school populations. Marital conflict conflict resolution mother-adolescent bonding Adolescent depression Figures Figure 1 Introduction Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by rapid biological, psychological, and social changes. During adolescence the prevalence of mental health problems such as depressive symptoms rises substantially. Adolescents’ depressive symptoms are defined as the survey-measured cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, and related functional impairments. Depression affects an estimated 17.5% of youth under 25 years in the world and often begins during adolescence, leading to significant impairment in academic, social, and emotional functioning if unaddressed (1). In Ethiopia, pooled estimates suggest that the prevalence of youth depression is high (around 36%) , with variability across regions and contexts (1). Family environments play an important role in shaping adolescent emotional development. Among many determinants, marital conflict within the family has emerged as a strong correlate of youth maladjustment, including internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety (2). Marital conflict encompasses repeated disagreements, hostility, and unresolved disputes between parents, with potential spillover effects on children’s emotional climate(3). Resolution of Marital Conflict refers to the effectiveness of conflict management, communication quality, and resolution strategies that reduce hostility and promote mutual understanding (4). Constructive resolution is theorized to foster family stability, whereas poor resolution indicates recurring hostile interactions. Although explicit national prevalence data on marital conflict in Ethiopia are limited, local studies in Durbete town, Amhara Region indicate that marital conflict is frequent among couples , with numerous instances of inter-parental disputes occurring monthly and contributing to stress and psychological distress within families(5). Given the cultural importance of marriage and family cohesion in Ethiopian society, such conflict likely represents a significant, yet under-researched risk context for adolescent affective outcomes. The mechanisms linking marital conflict and adolescent depressive symptoms remain an area of intense scientific inquiry. According to Emotional Security Theory (EST) , repeated or poorly resolved inter-parental conflict threatens children’s sense of safety and stability within the family system, thereby undermining their emotional security (6). Emotional security refers to a child’s perception that family relationships are predictable, supportive, and a source of comfort. Threats to this sense of security activate stress responses and may contribute to emotional and behavioral maladjustment (7). Within this framework, conflict between caregivers is believed to create emotional insecurity in the family, which in turn increases vulnerability to depressive symptoms in adolescents. EST has been empirically supported across multiple contexts, showing that greater family conflict is prospectively associated with depressive symptoms via emotional insecurity , including diminished perceptions of safety and support in family relationships (2). A second key family process is parent-adolescent bonding , particularly the quality of the mother-adolescent relationship. Mother-Adolescent Bonding denotes the emotional connection between the adolescent and their mother, including warmth, communication quality, mutual respect, and responsiveness (8). Higher bonding reflects stronger emotional security and support. Strong emotional bonds with primary caregivers serve as protective factors by providing emotional support, promoting secure attachment, and mitigating the adverse effects of external stressors (9). Conversely, lower bonding is linked with higher internalizing symptoms. Meta-analytic evidence indicates a moderate positive correlation between parent-adolescent conflict and adolescent depression, underscoring the importance of relational quality in mental health outcomes (10). In contexts where marital conflict is present, supportive mother-adolescent relationships may buffer adolescents against depressive outcomes by reinforcing emotional security and daily stress regulation. In the Ethiopian context, family cohesion and intergenerational bonds have particular sociocultural salience, as families are often extended, multigenerational, and central to social identity. However, rapid socioeconomic change, inter-ethnic conflict, and psychosocial stressors may strain family functioning and parent-adolescent communication, contributing to emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents (11). Studying these dynamics in secondary school adolescents (Grades 9 and 10) is especially important because this age group is navigating critical educational transitions, social expectations, and identity formation. In regions such as Benishangul Gumuz , where educational access and youth supports may be limited and exposure to broader stressors (economic, environmental, conflict-related) is pronounced, understanding family and relational determinants of adolescent depression has both academic and public health significance. Despite extensive research globally, few studies in Ethiopia have examined how marital conflict and parent-adolescent relational processes jointly influence adolescent depressive outcomes. Furthermore, many studies outside Ethiopia have not distinguished between interparental conflict resolution and mother-adolescent bonding as separate and potentially mediating pathways to adolescents’ depression. Using covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) , the current research investigated these associations in a sample of secondary school adolescents from Benishangul Gumuz, all of whom live with their biological (non-divorced) parents . Adolescents from divorced families were excluded to avoid confounding effects related to divorce-specific anxiety and family reorganization. Specifically, the study tested the following hypotheses (See figure 1) : H1: There is a statistically significant negative relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. H2: There is a statistically significant positive relationship between resolution of marital conflict and mother-adolescent bonding. H3: There is a statistically significant negative relationship between mother-adolescent bonding and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. H4: Mother-adolescent bonding mediates the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Methods Research Design and sample size determination Explanatory type of correlational research design(12) was conducted among 9 th and 10 th graders at the following high schools: Hoha Number Two and Assosa Senior Secondary School, in Assosa Woreda of Benishangul Gumuz Region of Ethiopia. We recruited a sample from grade 9 and 10 (male and female) living with their intact/biological parents from government high schools to minimize source bias and to avoid the possibility of having age-heterogeneous samples. Subsequently, using Bentler and Chou’s guideline (13) guideline and given that only adolescents were studied as a single group, the minimum sample size requirements were 5 (ratio)*163 (the number of free parameters)*1(number of groups) =815. Considering 10% of contingency, a sample of 896.5=897 adolescents were selected from the target population, the two schools from which the sample for this study was selected. Of the total of 897 questionnaires, 881 questionnaires were completed and returned. Participants A combination of multistage-stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample from Asossa Woreda Senior Secondary Schools. We used stratified sampling considering that adolescents’ age is likely to vary depending on their grade levels. We also used purposive sampling because we are interested in adolescents living with both biological parents. Therefore, using the above strategies and the sample size requirement for SEM, we selected an initial sample of 897 participants, but 16 adolescents refused to return the questionnaire, and the data for 36 cases were outliers, so excluded from the further analysis, resulting in final sample of 845. Measures Resolution of marital conflict The Resolution dimensions of the Children’s Perception of Inter-parental Conflict Scale (14) was used to measure adolescents’ retrospective report of how much parents use resolution tactics in the past. Adolescents completed 6 items of the Resolution dimension of the Children’s Perception of Interparental Conflict scale (CPIC) on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5 (always) endorsed using the following data points: 1= Never, 2=Barely, 3=Very often, 4=Most often, and 5=Always. Sample items include “ When my parents have an argument they usually work it out ”. Items were coded so that higher scores indicated higher degrees of conflict resolution ranging from 1 to 5. Research showed that the CPIC has high reliability among early to late adolescents. For example, Gong and Paulson (15) found reliability of 0.89 for resolution subscales. The internal consistency reliability of the resolution scale in the current study was .862, which is over the required limit of 0.7(16). Mother-adolescent Bonding The care subscale of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), developed by Parker, Tupling and Brown (17) was employed to measure adolescents’ perception of parent-adolescent bonding. It consists of 12 statements. Sample items include “ my mother spoke to me in a warm and friendly voice ”. In this study, adolescents were asked to recall the current level of care they experienced from their mothers. Adolescents responded on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very unlike) to 5 (very like) for the mother version of the scale. Specifically, the following anchors were used: very unlike, moderately unlike, undecided, moderately like, and very like. Studies show high reliability indexes (alpha coefficients) for the maternal care scales (0.90)(18). The reliability of the mother version of the instrument in the current study was .717. Adolescents’ depressive symptoms Adolescents’ present-tense self-reported depressive symptoms were measured with the Depression subscale of DASS-21, the shortened version of DASS (19). The depression subscale comprises seven items assessing symptoms of depression. The depression scale assesses dysphoria, hopelessness, devaluation of life, self-deprecation, lack of interest or involvement, anhedonia, and inertia. Several previous authors have used the subscales partly (20,21). A five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 ( ‘ did not apply to me at all’) to 5 ( ‘ applied to me very much, or most of the time’) was used, with the following anchors: ‘1=Did not apply to me at all; 2=Did not apply to me; 3=Applied to me to some degree or some of the time; 4=Applied to me a considerable degree or a good part of the time; and 5=Applied to me very much or most of the time’. Sample Items include ‘ I couldn’t seem to experience any positive feeling at all ’). The depression subscale was validated in adolescent population. It demonstrated high internal consistency in a recent study among American adolescents (Depression α=0.92) (24). The internal consistency reliability of the depression subscale of DASS-21 in the current study was .932. Data Analysis Methods We passed through a number of steps before performing the data analysis. First, we assessed demographic characteristics of participants using frequency, mean, standard deviation and range. Second, we used Pearson’s coefficients to assess the strength and direction of the correlations. Third, we employed covariance based-structural equation modeling to assess the mediating role of mother-adolescent bonding in the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Resolution of marital conflict was the independent variable, while depressive symptoms and mother-adolescent bonding constitute the dependent and mediator variables, respectively. We estimated the parameters using Maximum Likelihood, because the data for the three variables was univariate normal: Frequency of marital conflict (skewness=-.206, kurtosis=-.534); Family cohesion (skewness=.428, kurtosis=-.371); and Depressive symptoms (skewness=-.396, kurtosis=-.761). These variables are normal because all Skewness values were less than +1(25) and all Kurtosis values were less than +7 (26,27).We evaluated model adequacy using multiple indices(27) including the chi-square (χ2) statistics, Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA), Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI), Goodness-of-fit Index (GFI) and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR). Models with non-significant χ2 values, CFI > .90, RMSEA values < .08, and SRMR< .06 were considered to have an acceptable fit (28). Finally, we examined indirect effects using Bias-corrected bootstrapping methodology with 5,000 bootstrap samples in AMOS-version 23(29). We used bootstrapping because it estimates indirect effects through empirical sampling distributions by calculating confidence intervals, and if zero is not included in the interval we rejected the null hypothesis of no indirect effect (30). Results Participant characteristics Participants were 845 adolescents recruited from grade 9 and 10 at two secondary schools in April 2024. The sample of students consisting of 411 (48.6%) male and 434 (51.4%) female respondents participated in the study (N = 845). On average, participants were 15.98 years old ( SD = .753) and were primarily drawn from Asossa Senior Secondary School (756 (89.5%)) and Hoha Number Two Secondary School (89 (10.5%)) from grade 9 (49.3%) and 10(50.7%). Correlations among continuous variables As a preliminary analysis, descriptive and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS version-24. Descriptive statistics for depression revealed an overall mean score of 24.973 ( SD = 6.356). The mean and standard deviations of participants’ scores for the remaining variables in the study were as follows: Resolution of marital conflict (M = 21.422; SD = 4.912); and mother-adolescent bonding (M = 19.725; SD = 6.674). The results showed that frequency of marital conflict was positively correlated with adolescents’ depressive symptom ( r = .342 ** , p < 0.01) and family cohesion ( r = .122 ** , p < 0.01). Moreover, family cohesion was positively related to depressive symptoms ( r = .308 ** , p < 0.01). Model Fit The hypothesized structural model was assessed through multiple fit indices to determine the adequacy of its representation of the observed data. The chi-square statistic was significant, χ² = 737.308, p < .001, which is typical in models with large samples and does not necessarily indicate model misfit. The chi-square divided by degrees of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF = 5.716) fell within the range commonly considered acceptable for complex theoretical models, suggesting an adequate balance between model complexity and fit. In addition, the Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) value of .075 indicates a reasonable degree of approximation in the population, with values below .08 generally reflecting adequate fit. The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) value of .0907 was slightly above the more conservative cutoff of .08 yet still within a range often interpreted as acceptable in behavioral studies involving multiple latent constructs. Incremental fit indices were strong, with Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .920 and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = .905, both exceeding the conventional threshold of .90, indicating that the hypothesized model provides a substantially better fit than a null model. Collectively, these indices suggest that the overall model provided an acceptable fit to the data and is suitable for interpreting the structural paths. Results of the Structural Model The first hypothesis (H 1 ) proposed that greater resolution of marital conflict would be associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adolescents. Results supported this hypothesis, with a significant negative effect (β = –.191, SE = .046, T = 4.142, 95% CI [.095, .202], p < .001). This indicates that when marital conflicts are resolved effectively and constructively, adolescents report lower levels of depressive symptoms (See Table 1 ). The second hypothesis (H 2 ) predicted that resolution of marital conflict would be positively related to mother–adolescent bonding. This hypothesis was also supported, with a significant positive path coefficient (β = .352, SE = .039, T = 7.325, 95% CI [.095, .202], p < .0001). The third hypothesis (H 3 ) proposed that mother–adolescent bonding would be negatively associated with adolescents’ depressive symptoms. The results strongly supported this hypothesis, with a significant negative effect (β = –.399, SE = .062, T = 7.938, 95% CI [.095, .202], p < .0001). The fourth hypothesis(H 4 ) stated that mother–adolescent bonding would mediate the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis supported this hypothesis, revealing a significant indirect effect (β = .141, SE = .027, T = 7.938, 95% CI [.095, .202], p = .000). Table 1 Direct and Indirect Effects between Study Variables Hypothesis Direct Effect Indirect Effect Conclusion β B SE CR P Β P(SE) BCCI H 1 − .191 − .192 .046 4.142 *** Accepted H 2 .352 .284 .039 7.325 *** Accepted H 3 − .399 − .495 .062 7.938 *** Accepted H 4 .141 .000(.027) .095, .202 Partial mediation Note : β = Standardized coefficient; B= Unstandardized coefficient; SE= Standard error; CR= Critical ratio; BCCI= Bootstrapped lower and upper limit of the 95% confidence interval; p =level of significance; *** p < 0.001 Discussion This study examined the relationships among resolution of marital conflict, mother–adolescent bonding, and adolescents’ depressive symptoms among Grade 9 and 10 students in Assosa Town, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The findings supported all four hypotheses: ( 1 ) resolution of marital conflict was negatively associated with adolescents’ depressive symptoms, ( 2 ) resolution of marital conflict was positively associated with mother–adolescent bonding, ( 3 ) mother–adolescent bonding was negatively associated with adolescents’ depressive symptoms, and ( 4 ) mother–adolescent bonding mediated the association between marital conflict resolution and adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Resolution of Marital Conflict and Depressive Symptoms Consistent with Hypothesis 1, our study found a significant negative association between adolescents’ perceptions of resolution of marital conflict and their depressive symptoms. This means that when parents manage disagreements calmly and cooperatively, adolescents report fewer depressive experiences. Although the effect size (β = –.191) is modest, it is theoretically meaningful given the multifaceted nature of adolescent depression and the developmental vulnerability of this age group. This finding closely aligns with studies showing that constructive interparental conflict resolution protects adolescents from internalizing problems. For example, a meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that destructive marital conflict consistently predicts greater adolescent depression, while constructive conflict behaviors such as negotiation and compromise serve a protective role( 31 ). Similarly, research indicates that adolescents exposed to well-resolved parental conflict demonstrate lower emotional distress and better long-term adjustment( 32 ). Resolution of Marital Conflict and Mother–Adolescent Bonding Supporting Hypothesis 2, the present study found a statistically significant positive association between adolescents’ perceptions of constructive parental conflict resolution and their sense of bonding with their mothers (β = .352). This indicates that when adolescents observe their parents resolving conflict cooperatively and respectfully, they are more likely to experience stronger emotional closeness, warmth, and supportive connection with their mothers. Recent empirical studies support this view. For example, research shows that constructive conflict behaviors (e.g., negotiation, perspective-taking) predict greater parental warmth and responsiveness ( 33 ), which in turn strengthen parent–child attachment. A recent meta-analysis further concluded that constructive marital interactions have moderate, reliable positive effects on parenting quality and parent–child emotional closeness across diverse cultural contexts( 34 ). Mother–Adolescent Bonding and Depressive Symptoms Hypothesis 3 examined the association between mother–adolescent bonding and adolescent depressive symptoms, and results demonstrated a significant negative relationship. This indicates that adolescents who perceive higher levels of maternal care, warmth, and responsiveness report significantly fewer depressive symptoms. The magnitude of the effect (β = –.399) is moderate and suggests that maternal bonding is a powerful protective factor for adolescent emotional well-being in the Ethiopian context. This finding aligns closely with recent meta-analytic evidence that confirms parent–child warmth and emotional support are among the strongest relational predictors of lower depressive symptoms in adolescents across diverse cultural settings( 35 ). Similarly, a large-scale study reported that adolescents with strong maternal attachment exhibit significantly fewer depressive symptoms ( 36 ), highlighting the role of maternal emotional availability in buffering against internalizing problems. Mediating Role of Mother–Adolescent Bonding Supporting Hypothesis 4, mother–adolescent bonding significantly mediated the link between resolution of marital conflict and depressive symptoms. This mediated pathway underscores the importance of relational processes in family dynamics. It indicates that when marital conflict is resolved constructively, it appears to facilitate closer and more supportive mother–adolescent relationships, which in turn is associated with lower depressive symptoms in adolescents. The partial mediation observed suggests that marital conflict resolution influences adolescent well-being not only directly but also indirectly through improvements in parent–adolescents relational quality. This pathway supports core tenets of Emotional Security Theory (EST), which emphasizes that children’s emotional security spans across various family relationships. Parental conflict can undermine security across these relationships, but constructive conflict resolution can help maintain adolescents’ sense of trust in parental relationships. Research has similarly found that emotional insecurity about the family system partially mediates associations between family conflict and adolescent maladjustment ( 38 ). In EST, emotional security serves as a bridge between interparental functioning and child outcomes. When marital conflict is resolved constructively, children maintain a sense of security, which strengthens their attachment and communication with parents. This secure relational environment, in turn, supports healthy emotional development and reduces vulnerability to depression. Conclusion This study examined how resolution of marital conflict influences adolescents’ depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly through mother–adolescent bonding among Grade 9 and 10 students in Assosa Woreda of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The results demonstrated that marital conflict resolution was associated with lower levels of adolescent depression, stronger mother–adolescent bonding, and a significant indirect effect through improved relational security. These findings support Emotional Security Theory by showing that adolescents’ emotional well-being is shaped not only by the presence of marital conflict but by how parents manage disagreements. They also extend previous research by demonstrating that these mechanisms operate within an Ethiopian cultural context characterized by close family ties and high value placed on relational harmony. The study highlights the importance of promoting constructive conflict resolution skills among parents and strengthening caregiver–adolescent bonding as viable pathways for improving adolescent mental health. In regions such as Benishangul-Gumuz, where families serve as the primary source of emotional support and formal mental health services are limited, interventions that reinforce family communication, conflict resolution, and parental emotional responsiveness may be particularly impactful. Schools, community organizations, and health services should integrate family-based mental health promotion programs to address adolescents’ emotional needs more effectively. While the findings contribute valuable evidence, the cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and the reliance on self-report measures may introduce bias. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs, include fathers and extended family members, and explore culturally specific conflict management strategies. Despite these limitations, this study underscores the centrality of family relational processes in shaping adolescent well-being and provides a foundation for culturally informed policies and interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among Ethiopian adolescents. Declarations Acknowledgements We are very grateful to the students who participated in this study. We are especially thankful to the Assosa District Education Beauro Officials and Directors of Assosa Senior Secondary School and Hoha Number two, for facilitating participant recruitment and providing a supportive environment. Author Contributions TD : Conceptualization, Writing Original draft, Methodology, Data collection, Data Analysis, Report writing. DA : Supervision, Validation, Writing, Reviewing and Editing. Funding This research did not receive any specific financial support. Data availability The raw data used in this study are available upon request from the corresponding author Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of Addis Ababa University School of Psychology. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant after providing a clear explanation of the study’s purpose and objectives. Participants were assured that their participation was voluntary and that they had the right to withdraw at any time without any negative consequences. Written informed consent was sought and obtained from their parents for adolescent girls under 18 years old. To ensure confidentiality, participants’ identities were kept anonymous, and personal information was treated with strict confidentiality throughout the study. All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee, and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Consent for publication Not applicable. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests. 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During adolescence the prevalence of mental health problems such as depressive symptoms rises substantially. \u003cstrong\u003eAdolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms\u003c/strong\u003e are defined as the survey-measured cognitive, affective, and somatic symptoms such as persistent sadness, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, and related functional impairments. Depression affects an estimated \u003cstrong\u003e17.5% of youth under 25 years in the world\u003c/strong\u003e and often begins during adolescence, leading to significant impairment in academic, social, and emotional functioning if unaddressed (1). In Ethiopia, pooled estimates suggest that \u003cstrong\u003ethe prevalence of youth depression is high (around 36%)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e,\u003c/strong\u003e with variability across regions and contexts (1).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFamily environments play an important role in shaping adolescent emotional development. Among many determinants, \u003cstrong\u003emarital conflict\u003c/strong\u003e within the family has emerged as a strong correlate of youth maladjustment, including internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety (2). Marital conflict encompasses repeated disagreements, hostility, and unresolved disputes between parents, with potential spillover effects on children\u0026rsquo;s emotional climate(3). \u003cstrong\u003eResolution of Marital Conflict\u003c/strong\u003e refers to the effectiveness of conflict management, communication quality, and resolution strategies that reduce hostility and promote mutual understanding (4). Constructive resolution is theorized to foster family stability, whereas poor resolution indicates recurring hostile interactions. Although explicit national prevalence data on marital conflict in Ethiopia are limited, local studies in Durbete town, Amhara Region indicate that \u003cstrong\u003emarital conflict is frequent among couples\u003c/strong\u003e, with numerous instances of inter-parental disputes occurring monthly and contributing to stress and psychological distress within families(5). Given the cultural importance of marriage and family cohesion in Ethiopian society, such conflict likely represents a significant, yet under-researched risk context for adolescent affective outcomes.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mechanisms linking marital conflict and adolescent depressive symptoms remain an area of intense scientific inquiry. According to \u003cstrong\u003eEmotional Security Theory (EST)\u003c/strong\u003e, repeated or poorly resolved inter-parental conflict threatens children\u0026rsquo;s sense of safety and stability within the family system, thereby undermining their emotional security (6). Emotional security refers to a child\u0026rsquo;s perception that family relationships are predictable, supportive, and a source of comfort. Threats to this sense of security activate stress responses and may contribute to emotional and behavioral maladjustment (7). Within this framework, conflict between caregivers is believed to create emotional insecurity in the family, which in turn increases vulnerability to depressive symptoms in adolescents. EST has been empirically supported across multiple contexts, showing that \u003cstrong\u003egreater family conflict is prospectively associated with depressive symptoms via emotional insecurity\u003c/strong\u003e, including diminished perceptions of safety and support in family relationships (2).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;A second key family process is \u003cstrong\u003eparent-adolescent bonding\u003c/strong\u003e, particularly the quality of the mother-adolescent relationship. \u003cstrong\u003eMother-Adolescent Bonding\u003c/strong\u003e denotes the emotional connection between the adolescent and their mother, including warmth, communication quality, mutual respect, and responsiveness (8). Higher bonding reflects stronger emotional security and support. \u0026nbsp;Strong emotional bonds with primary caregivers serve as protective factors by providing emotional support, promoting secure attachment, and mitigating the adverse effects of external stressors (9). Conversely, lower bonding is linked with higher internalizing symptoms. Meta-analytic evidence indicates a \u003cstrong\u003emoderate positive correlation\u003c/strong\u003e between parent-adolescent conflict and adolescent depression, underscoring the importance of relational quality in mental health outcomes (10). In contexts where marital conflict is present, supportive mother-adolescent relationships may buffer adolescents against depressive outcomes by reinforcing emotional security and daily stress regulation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the Ethiopian context, family cohesion and intergenerational bonds have particular sociocultural salience, as families are often extended, multigenerational, and central to social identity. However, rapid socioeconomic change, inter-ethnic conflict, and psychosocial stressors may strain family functioning and parent-adolescent communication, contributing to emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents (11). Studying these dynamics in \u003cstrong\u003esecondary school adolescents (Grades 9 and 10)\u003c/strong\u003e is especially important because this age group is navigating critical educational transitions, social expectations, and identity formation. In regions such as \u003cstrong\u003eBenishangul Gumuz\u003c/strong\u003e, where educational access and youth supports may be limited and exposure to broader stressors (economic, environmental, conflict-related) is pronounced, understanding family and relational determinants of adolescent depression has both academic and public health significance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite extensive research globally, \u003cstrong\u003efew studies in Ethiopia\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ehave examined how marital conflict and parent-adolescent relational processes jointly influence adolescent depressive outcomes. Furthermore, many studies outside Ethiopia have not distinguished between \u003cem\u003einterparental conflict resolution\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eand\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003cem\u003emother-adolescent bonding\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/em\u003e as separate and potentially mediating pathways to adolescents\u0026rsquo; depression. Using \u003cstrong\u003ecovariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM)\u003c/strong\u003e, the current research investigated these associations in a sample of secondary school adolescents from Benishangul Gumuz, all of whom live with their \u003cem\u003ebiological (non-divorced) parents\u003c/em\u003e. Adolescents from divorced families were excluded to avoid confounding effects related to divorce-specific anxiety and family reorganization. Specifically, the study tested the following \u003cstrong\u003ehypotheses (See figure 1)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eH1: There is a statistically significant \u003cstrong\u003enegative relationship\u003c/strong\u003e between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eH2: There is a statistically significant \u003cstrong\u003epositive relationship\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ebetween resolution of marital conflict and mother-adolescent bonding.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eH3: There is a statistically significant \u003cstrong\u003enegative relationship\u003c/strong\u003e between mother-adolescent bonding and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eH4: Mother-adolescent bonding mediates\u003c/strong\u003e the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Methods","content":"\u003ch2\u003eResearch Design and sample size determination\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplanatory type of correlational research design(12) was conducted among 9\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e and 10\u003csup\u003eth\u003c/sup\u003e graders at the following high schools: Hoha Number Two and Assosa Senior Secondary School, in Assosa Woreda of Benishangul Gumuz Region of Ethiopia. We recruited a sample from grade 9 and 10 (male and female) living with their intact/biological parents from government high schools to minimize source bias and to avoid the possibility of having age-heterogeneous samples.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubsequently, using Bentler and Chou\u0026rsquo;s guideline (13) guideline and given that only adolescents were studied as a single group, the minimum sample size requirements were 5 (ratio)*163 (the number of free parameters)*1(number of groups) =815. Considering 10% of contingency, a sample of 896.5=897 adolescents were selected from the target population, the two schools from which the sample for this study was selected. Of the total of 897 questionnaires, 881 questionnaires were completed and returned.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"_Toc216701644\"\u003eParticipants\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA combination of multistage-stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the sample from Asossa Woreda Senior Secondary Schools. We used stratified sampling considering that adolescents\u0026rsquo; age is likely to vary depending on their grade levels. We also used purposive sampling because we are interested in adolescents living with both biological parents.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, using the above strategies and the sample size requirement for SEM, we selected an initial sample of 897 participants, but 16 adolescents refused to return the questionnaire, and the data for 36 cases were outliers, so excluded from the further analysis, resulting in final sample of 845.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"_Toc216701645\"\u003eMeasures\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"_Toc216701646\"\u003eResolution of marital conflict\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Resolution dimensions of the Children\u0026rsquo;s Perception of Inter-parental Conflict Scale (14) was used to measure adolescents\u0026rsquo;\u003cs\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/s\u003eretrospective report of how much parents use resolution tactics in the past. \u0026nbsp; Adolescents completed 6 items of the Resolution dimension of the Children\u0026rsquo;s Perception of Interparental Conflict scale (CPIC) on a 5-point scale ranging from 1 (never) to 5\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(always) endorsed using the following data points: 1=\u003cem\u003eNever, 2=Barely, 3=Very often, 4=Most often, and 5=Always.\u003c/em\u003e Sample items include \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003eWhen my parents have an argument they usually work it out\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;.\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003eItems were coded so that higher scores indicated higher degrees of conflict resolution ranging from 1 to 5.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch showed that the CPIC has high reliability among early to late adolescents. For example, Gong and Paulson (15) found reliability of 0.89 for resolution subscales. \u0026nbsp;The internal consistency reliability of the resolution scale in the current study was .862, which is over the required limit of 0.7(16).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMother-adolescent Bonding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe care subscale of the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI), developed by Parker, Tupling and Brown (17) was employed to measure adolescents\u0026rsquo; perception of parent-adolescent bonding. It consists of 12 statements. Sample items include \u0026ldquo;\u003cem\u003emy mother spoke to me in a warm and friendly voice\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rdquo;.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;In this study, adolescents were asked to recall the current level of care they experienced from their mothers. Adolescents responded on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (very unlike) to 5 (very like) for the mother version of the scale. Specifically, the following anchors were used:\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003every unlike, moderately unlike, undecided, moderately like, and very like.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudies show high reliability indexes (alpha coefficients) for the maternal care scales (0.90)(18). The reliability of the mother version of the instrument in the current study was .717.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 id=\"_Toc216701648\"\u003eAdolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdolescents\u0026rsquo; present-tense self-reported\u003cu\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/u\u003edepressive symptoms were measured with the Depression subscale of DASS-21, the shortened version of DASS (19). The depression subscale comprises seven items assessing symptoms of depression. The depression scale assesses dysphoria, hopelessness, devaluation of life, self-deprecation, lack of interest or involvement, anhedonia, and inertia. Several previous authors have used the subscales partly (20,21).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA five-point Likert scale ranging from 1\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(\u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;\u003c/em\u003edid not apply to me at all\u0026rsquo;) to \u003cem\u003e5\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(\u003cem\u003e\u0026lsquo;\u003c/em\u003eapplied to me very much, or most of the time\u0026rsquo;) was used, with the following anchors: \u0026lsquo;1=Did not apply to me at all; 2=Did not apply to me; 3=Applied to me to some degree or some of the time; 4=Applied to me a considerable degree or a good part of the time; and 5=Applied to me very much or most of the time\u0026rsquo;. Sample Items include \u0026lsquo;\u003cem\u003eI couldn\u0026rsquo;t seem to experience any positive feeling at all\u003c/em\u003e\u0026rsquo;).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe depression subscale was validated in adolescent population. It demonstrated high internal consistency in a recent study among American adolescents (Depression \u0026alpha;=0.92) (24). The internal consistency reliability of the depression subscale of DASS-21 in the current study was .932.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"_Toc216701649\"\u003eData Analysis Methods\u0026nbsp;\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe passed through a number of steps before performing the data analysis. First, we assessed demographic characteristics of participants using frequency, mean, standard deviation and range. Second, we used Pearson\u0026rsquo;s coefficients to assess the strength and direction of the correlations. Third, we employed covariance based-structural equation modeling to assess the mediating role of mother-adolescent bonding in the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms. Resolution of marital conflict was the independent variable, while depressive symptoms and mother-adolescent bonding constitute the dependent and mediator variables, respectively. We estimated the parameters using Maximum Likelihood, because the data for the three variables was univariate normal: Frequency of marital conflict (skewness=-.206, kurtosis=-.534); Family cohesion (skewness=.428, kurtosis=-.371); and Depressive symptoms (skewness=-.396, kurtosis=-.761). These variables are normal because all Skewness values were less than +1(25)\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eand all Kurtosis values were less than \u003cstrong\u003e+7\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e(26,27).We evaluated model adequacy using multiple indices(27) including the chi-square (\u0026chi;2) statistics, Comparative Fit Index (CFI), Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA),\u0026nbsp;Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI),\u0026nbsp;Goodness-of-fit Index (GFI) and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR). Models with non-significant \u0026chi;2 values, CFI \u0026gt; .90, RMSEA values \u0026lt; .08, and SRMR\u0026lt; .06 were considered to have an acceptable fit (28).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, we examined indirect effects using Bias-corrected bootstrapping methodology with 5,000 bootstrap samples in AMOS-version 23(29). We used bootstrapping because it estimates indirect effects through empirical sampling distributions by calculating confidence intervals, and if zero is not included in the interval we rejected the null hypothesis of no indirect effect (30).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec2\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eParticipant characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipants were 845 adolescents recruited from grade 9 and 10 at two secondary schools in April 2024. The sample of students consisting of 411 (48.6%) male and 434 (51.4%) female respondents participated in the study (N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;845). On average, participants were 15.98 years old (\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e =\u0026thinsp;.753) and were primarily drawn from Asossa Senior Secondary School (756 (89.5%)) and Hoha Number Two Secondary School (89 (10.5%)) from grade 9 (49.3%) and 10(50.7%).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eCorrelations among continuous variables\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs a preliminary analysis, descriptive and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS version-24. Descriptive statistics for depression revealed an overall mean score of 24.973 (\u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.356). The mean and standard deviations of participants\u0026rsquo; scores for the remaining variables in the study were as follows: Resolution of marital conflict (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;21.422; \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.912); and mother-adolescent bonding (M\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19.725; \u003cem\u003eSD\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;6.674). The results showed that frequency of marital conflict was positively correlated with adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptom (\u003cem\u003er\u003c/em\u003e =\u0026thinsp;.342\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01) and family cohesion (\u003cem\u003er\u003c/em\u003e =\u0026thinsp;.122\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01). Moreover, family cohesion was positively related to depressive symptoms (\u003cem\u003er\u003c/em\u003e =\u0026thinsp;.308\u003csup\u003e**\u003c/sup\u003e, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.01).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eModel Fit\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hypothesized structural model was assessed through multiple fit indices to determine the adequacy of its representation of the observed data. The chi-square statistic was significant, χ\u0026sup2; = 737.308, p \u0026lt; .001, which is typical in models with large samples and does not necessarily indicate model misfit. The chi-square divided by degrees of freedom ratio (CMIN/DF\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;5.716) fell within the range commonly considered acceptable for complex theoretical models, suggesting an adequate balance between model complexity and fit.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition, the Root-Mean-Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) value of .075 indicates a reasonable degree of approximation in the population, with values below .08 generally reflecting adequate fit. The Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR) value of .0907 was slightly above the more conservative cutoff of .08 yet still within a range often interpreted as acceptable in behavioral studies involving multiple latent constructs. Incremental fit indices were strong, with Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = .920 and Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) = .905, both exceeding the conventional threshold of .90, indicating that the hypothesized model provides a substantially better fit than a null model. Collectively, these indices suggest that the overall model provided an acceptable fit to the data and is suitable for interpreting the structural paths.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eResults of the Structural Model\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e) proposed that greater resolution of marital conflict would be associated with fewer depressive symptoms in adolescents. Results supported this hypothesis, with a significant negative effect (β = \u0026ndash;.191, SE = .046, \u003cem\u003eT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.142, 95% CI [.095, .202], p \u0026lt; .001). This indicates that when marital conflicts are resolved effectively and constructively, adolescents report lower levels of depressive symptoms (See Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe second hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e) predicted that resolution of marital conflict would be positively related to mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding. This hypothesis was also supported, with a significant positive path coefficient (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.352, SE = .039, \u003cem\u003eT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7.325, 95% CI [.095, .202], p \u0026lt; .0001).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe third hypothesis (H\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e) proposed that mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding would be negatively associated with adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms. The results strongly supported this hypothesis, with a significant negative effect (β = \u0026ndash;.399, SE = .062, \u003cem\u003eT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7.938, 95% CI [.095, .202], p \u0026lt; .0001).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fourth hypothesis(H\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e) stated that mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding would mediate the relationship between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis supported this hypothesis, revealing a significant indirect effect (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.141, SE = .027, \u003cem\u003eT\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;7.938, 95% CI [.095, .202], p = .000).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirect and Indirect Effects between Study Variables\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"10\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eHypothesis\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"5\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDirect Effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eIndirect Effect\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eConclusion\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eβ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eB\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eSE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eCR\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eΒ\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eP(SE)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eBCCI\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e1\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.191\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.192\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.046\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.142\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccepted\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.352\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.284\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.039\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.325\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccepted\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.399\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;.495\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.062\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e7.938\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e***\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccepted\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eH\u003csub\u003e4\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.141\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.000(.027)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e.095, .202\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePartial mediation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003ctfoot\u003e \u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote\u003c/b\u003e: β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standardized coefficient; B= Unstandardized coefficient; SE= Standard error; CR= Critical ratio; BCCI= Bootstrapped lower and upper limit of the 95% confidence interval; \u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e=level of significance; \u003csup\u003e***\u003c/sup\u003e\u003cem\u003ep\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tfoot\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined the relationships among resolution of marital conflict, mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding, and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms among Grade 9 and 10 students in Assosa Town, Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The findings supported all four hypotheses: (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) resolution of marital conflict was negatively associated with adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) resolution of marital conflict was positively associated with mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding was negatively associated with adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms, and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e) mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding mediated the association between marital conflict resolution and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eResolution of Marital Conflict and Depressive Symptoms\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent with Hypothesis 1, our study found a significant negative association between adolescents\u0026rsquo; perceptions of resolution of marital conflict and their depressive symptoms. This means that when parents manage disagreements calmly and cooperatively, adolescents report fewer depressive experiences. Although the effect size (β = \u0026ndash;.191) is modest, it is theoretically meaningful given the multifaceted nature of adolescent depression and the developmental vulnerability of this age group.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis finding closely aligns with studies showing that constructive interparental conflict resolution protects adolescents from internalizing problems. For example, a meta-analytic evidence demonstrates that destructive marital conflict consistently predicts greater adolescent depression, while constructive conflict behaviors such as negotiation and compromise serve a protective role(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, research indicates that adolescents exposed to well-resolved parental conflict demonstrate lower emotional distress and better long-term adjustment(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003eResolution of Marital Conflict and Mother\u0026ndash;Adolescent Bonding\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSupporting Hypothesis 2, the present study found a statistically significant positive association between adolescents\u0026rsquo; perceptions of constructive parental conflict resolution and their sense of bonding with their mothers (β\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;.352). This indicates that when adolescents observe their parents resolving conflict cooperatively and respectfully, they are more likely to experience stronger emotional closeness, warmth, and supportive connection with their mothers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eRecent empirical studies support this view. For example, research shows that constructive conflict behaviors (e.g., negotiation, perspective-taking) predict greater parental warmth and responsiveness (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e), which in turn strengthen parent\u0026ndash;child attachment. A recent meta-analysis further concluded that constructive marital interactions have moderate, reliable positive effects on parenting quality and parent\u0026ndash;child emotional closeness across diverse cultural contexts(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMother–Adolescent Bonding and Depressive Symptoms\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eHypothesis 3\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eexamined the association between mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding and adolescent depressive symptoms, and results demonstrated a significant negative relationship. This indicates that adolescents who perceive higher levels of maternal care, warmth, and responsiveness report significantly fewer depressive symptoms. The magnitude of the effect (β = \u0026ndash;.399) is moderate and suggests that maternal bonding is a powerful protective factor for adolescent emotional well-being in the Ethiopian context.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis finding aligns closely with recent meta-analytic evidence that confirms parent\u0026ndash;child warmth and emotional support are among the strongest relational predictors of lower depressive symptoms in adolescents across diverse cultural settings(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, a large-scale study reported that adolescents with strong maternal attachment exhibit significantly fewer depressive symptoms (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e), highlighting the role of maternal emotional availability in buffering against internalizing problems.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMediating Role of Mother–Adolescent Bonding\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupporting Hypothesis 4, mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding significantly mediated the link between resolution of marital conflict and depressive symptoms. This mediated pathway underscores the importance of relational processes in family dynamics. It indicates that when marital conflict is resolved constructively, it appears to facilitate closer and more supportive mother\u0026ndash;adolescent relationships, which in turn is associated with lower depressive symptoms in adolescents. The partial mediation observed suggests that marital conflict resolution influences adolescent well-being not only directly but also indirectly through improvements in parent\u0026ndash;adolescents relational quality.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis pathway supports core tenets of Emotional Security Theory (EST), which emphasizes that children\u0026rsquo;s emotional security spans across various family relationships. Parental conflict can undermine security across these relationships, but constructive conflict resolution can help maintain adolescents\u0026rsquo; sense of trust in parental relationships. Research has similarly found that emotional insecurity about the family system partially mediates associations between family conflict and adolescent maladjustment (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e). In EST, emotional security serves as a bridge between interparental functioning and child outcomes. When marital conflict is resolved constructively, children maintain a sense of security, which strengthens their attachment and communication with parents. This secure relational environment, in turn, supports healthy emotional development and reduces vulnerability to depression.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined how resolution of marital conflict influences adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly through mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding among Grade 9 and 10 students in Assosa Woreda of the Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. The results demonstrated that marital conflict resolution was associated with lower levels of adolescent depression, stronger mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding, and a significant indirect effect through improved relational security. These findings support Emotional Security Theory by showing that adolescents\u0026rsquo; emotional well-being is shaped not only by the presence of marital conflict but by how parents manage disagreements. They also extend previous research by demonstrating that these mechanisms operate within an Ethiopian cultural context characterized by close family ties and high value placed on relational harmony.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe study highlights the importance of promoting constructive conflict resolution skills among parents and strengthening caregiver\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding as viable pathways for improving adolescent mental health. In regions such as Benishangul-Gumuz, where families serve as the primary source of emotional support and formal mental health services are limited, interventions that reinforce family communication, conflict resolution, and parental emotional responsiveness may be particularly impactful. Schools, community organizations, and health services should integrate family-based mental health promotion programs to address adolescents\u0026rsquo; emotional needs more effectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhile the findings contribute valuable evidence, the cross-sectional design restricts causal inference, and the reliance on self-report measures may introduce bias. Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs, include fathers and extended family members, and explore culturally specific conflict management strategies. Despite these limitations, this study underscores the centrality of family relational processes in shaping adolescent well-being and provides a foundation for culturally informed policies and interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms among Ethiopian adolescents.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are very grateful to the students who participated in this study.\u0026nbsp;We are especially thankful to the Assosa District Education Beauro Officials and Directors of Assosa Senior Secondary School and Hoha Number two, for facilitating participant recruitment and providing a supportive environment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor Contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTD\u003c/strong\u003e: Conceptualization, Writing Original draft, Methodology, Data collection, Data Analysis, Report writing. \u003cstrong\u003eDA\u003c/strong\u003e: Supervision, Validation, Writing, Reviewing and Editing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research did not receive any specific financial support.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData availability\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe raw data used in this study are available upon request from the corresponding author\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Ethics approval and consent to participate\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of Addis Ababa University School of Psychology. Informed written consent was obtained from each participant after providing a clear explanation of the study\u0026rsquo;s purpose and objectives. Participants were assured that their participation was voluntary and that they had the right to withdraw at any time without any negative consequences. Written informed consent was sought and obtained from their parents for adolescent girls under 18 years old. To ensure confidentiality, participants\u0026rsquo; identities were kept anonymous, and personal information was treated with strict confidentiality throughout the study. All procedures performed in this study were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee, and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor details\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eDepartment of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Humanities, Assosa University, Assosa Town, Postal Code: 5220, Ethiopia\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eSchool of Psychology, College of Education and Language Studies, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHabtegiorgis SD, Telayneh AT, Kumlachew L, Walelgn N, Alemayehu D, Azmeraw M, et al. Youth depression in Ethiopia: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2025;19(1):1\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCummings EM, Koss KJ, Davies PT. Prospective relations between family conflict and adolescent maladjustment: security in the family system as a mediating process. J Abnorm Child Psychol. 2015;43(3):503\u0026ndash;15.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZimet DM, Jacob T. Influences of marital conflict on child adjustment: Review of theory and research. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev. 2001;4(4):319\u0026ndash;35.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElegbede CB, Abidogun MA, Mumuni MA, Kuponiyi YA. Effectiveness of Marital Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in Fostering Marriage Stability among Couples in Lagos State, Nigeria. Fac Nat Appl Sci J Heal Sport Sci Recreat. 2024;2(1):130\u0026ndash;6.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGirma S, Tsehay M, Mamaru A, Abera M. Depression and its determinants among adolescents in Jimma town, Southwest Ethiopia. PLoS ONE. 2021;16(5 May):1\u0026ndash;13.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDavies PT, Harold GT, Goeke-Morey MC, Cummings EM, Shelton K, Rasi JA et al. Child emotional security and interparental conflict. Monogr Soc Res child Dev. 2002;i\u0026ndash;127.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCummings EM, Miller-Graff LE. Emotional Security Theory: An Emerging Theoretical Model for Youths\u0026rsquo; Psychological and Physiological Responses Across Multiple Developmental Contexts. Curr Dir Psychol Sci. 2015;24(3):208\u0026ndash;13.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBireda AD. 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Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2021;52(4):579\u0026ndash;85.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHair JF, Black WC, Babin BJ, Anderson RE, Tatham RL. Multivariate data analysis. Cengage learning Hampshire; 2019.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTabachnick BG, Fidell LS. Using multivariate statistics, 6th edn Boston. Ma Pearson. 2013.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKline RB. Principles and practice of structural equation modeling. Guilford; 2023.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSchermelleh-Engel K, Moosbrugger H, M\u0026uuml;ller H. Evaluating the fit of structural equation models: Tests of significance and descriptive goodness-of-fit measures. Methods Psychol Res online. 2003;8(2):23\u0026ndash;74.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePreacher KJ, Hayes AF. 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Parental warmth and adolescents\u0026rsquo; gratitude: The mediating role of friendship quality and the moderating role of perspective taking. Curr Psychol. 2023;42(34):30093\u0026ndash;101.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRonaghan D, Gaulke T, Theule J. The association between marital satisfaction and coparenting quality: A meta-analysis. J Fam Psychol. 2024;38(2):236.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSavic O, Unger L, Sloutsky VM. Experience and maturation: The contribution of co-occurrence regularities in language to the development of semantic organization. Child Dev. 2023;94(1):142\u0026ndash;58.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRodriguez EAP, Bhuyan D, Abraham G. Exploring the impact of parental attachment styles on adolescent depression: A longitudinal study. Afr J Biomed Res. 2024;27(3):142\u0026ndash;9.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRuan QN, Shen GH, Xu S, Xu D, Yan WJ. Depressive symptoms among rural left-behind children and adolescents in China: a large-scale cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health. 2024;24(1):3160.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJiang S, Du R, Jiang C, Tan S, Dong Z. Family conflict and adolescent depression: examining the roles of sense of security and stress mindset. Child Fam Soc Work. 2025;30(3):318\u0026ndash;28.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"discpsy","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Psychology](https://www.springer.com/44202)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Discover Psychology","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Marital conflict, conflict resolution, mother-adolescent bonding, Adolescent depression","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9093102/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9093102/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThis study examined whether mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding mediates the association between resolution of marital conflict and adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms among secondary school students in Benishangul Gumuz Region, Ethiopia. An explanatory correlational design was employed among Grade 9 and Grade 10 students recruited through multistage-stratified and purposive sampling from two government high schools. The final sample consisted of 845 adolescents (48.6% male), all living with their biological parents, with a mean age of 15.98 years (SD\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.75). Adolescents completed validated measures assessing perceived parental conflict resolution, mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding, and depressive symptoms. Covariance-based structural equation modeling was used to evaluate direct and indirect relationships. Results supported all hypothesized pathways. Resolution of marital conflict was negatively associated with adolescents\u0026rsquo; depressive symptoms, and positively associated with mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding. Mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. The indirect effect indicated that mother\u0026ndash;adolescent bonding significantly mediated the relationship between marital conflict resolution and depressive symptoms. Model fit indices demonstrated acceptable fit. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of conflict resolution and supportive mother\u0026ndash;adolescent relationships in reducing depressive symptoms among Ethiopian adolescents. Strengthening family relational processes may serve as an important target for mental health promotion and intervention efforts in secondary school populations.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"The relationship between Resolution of Marital Conflict and Adolescents’ Depressive Symptoms: The mediating role of Mother-Adolescent Bonding","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2026-04-07 23:14:05","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-9093102/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2026-04-28T20:07:31+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-24T07:27:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-21T20:15:57+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-21T19:32:15+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-12T01:07:38+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"296460471489546433602844390178649294530","date":"2026-04-12T00:56:02+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"148734727142941611292650248561173560471","date":"2026-04-09T07:39:54+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-07T22:08:58+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"339806931656967262570536733430001447699","date":"2026-04-07T21:14:43+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"298378078432767036442353639062252875240","date":"2026-04-07T08:12:20+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"32634428008840818273095205812218603967","date":"2026-04-07T01:21:47+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2026-04-06T19:13:17+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"93334513845037774541606034888122665950","date":"2026-04-06T18:17:55+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"324442071327278038139062555557244695912","date":"2026-04-06T15:01:20+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"56202525773535690955900137832398628401","date":"2026-04-06T07:38:05+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2026-04-02T06:46:49+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2026-03-23T18:27:17+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2026-03-12T11:59:18+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2026-03-12T11:58:22+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Discover Psychology","date":"2026-03-11T10:08:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"discover-psychology","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"discpsy","sideBox":"Learn more about [Discover Psychology](https://www.springer.com/44202)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Discover Psychology","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Discover Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"00e07837-91e6-4be0-8dc7-9b18cd3cc540","owner":[],"postedDate":"April 7th, 2026","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"in-revision","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-04-28T20:23:26+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2026-04-07 23:14:05","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-9093102","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-9093102","identity":"rs-9093102","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"XKTyCvWXoU3ODBz1xrDgd","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}