The Moderating Role of Caregiver Mental Health in Parenting Interventions in Rural China

Speaker: Qi Jiang, Doctoral Candidate in Health Policy at University of California, Berkeley

Caregiver mental health plays a crucial role in early childhood development (ECD) and may influence the effectiveness of parenting stimulation interventions. This study examines how caregiver mental health moderates intervention compliance, child development outcomes, and responsive stimulation in LMICs. Using data from a cluster-randomized controlled trial in 100 rural villages in China, including 2,040 caregiver-child dyads, we found caregiver depressive symptoms significantly moderated treatment effects on child cognitive development, caregiver-child interactions, and caregiver stress symptoms. In contrast, caregiver anxiety symptoms did not show significant moderating effects. These results suggest that integrating mental health support into parenting programs can enhance the impact of interventions, even when mental health is not the primary focus. This study provides key policy insights for improving ECD outcomes through targeted mental health support in LMICs.

About the Workshops

Our Young Researcher Workshops offer emerging China scholars an opportunity to engage directly with interdisciplinary faculty and peers from across campus to discuss and receive feedback on their research. Each workshop features one or several PhD students presenting their latest empirical findings on issues related to China’s economy. Past topics have included college major selection as an obstacle to socioeconomic mobility, the effect of a cooling-off period on marriage outcomes, and factors contributing to government corruption. Faculty and senior scholars provide comments and feedback for improvement. This event series helps to build and strengthen Stanford’s community of young researchers working on China.

Workshops are held on select Fridays from 12 - 1 pm. Lunch will be provided! 

Visit the Young Researcher Workshops webpage for more information on the content and format of the series and to learn how to sign up to present.