Examining parental mental health as a mediating factor between family dysfunction and school-aged children’s mental health in Malindi, Kenya

Abstract

Mental health is essential to the cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological development of children. Existing literature highlights that early childhood mental health challenges can lead to poor developmental outcomes, impaired academic performance, and reduced quality of life. In Kenya, mental health disorders among school-aged children—such as depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, and suicide—are on the rise. This study examined parental mental health as a mediating factor between family dysfunction and the mental health of school-aged children in Malindi, Kenya. Specifically, it investigated the direct effect of family dysfunction on children’s mental health, the impact of family dysfunction on parental mental health, and the combined predictive influence of both variables on child mental health outcomes. Guided by Structural Family Theory and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, the study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design targeting children aged 6 to 18 years attending public schools. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used to select households, and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires administered to parents and primary caregivers. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 27, applying Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression. Findings revealed that the relationship between family dysfunction and children’s mental health was statistically insignificant (F = 1.552, df = 1, 328, p = .214). Similarly, family dysfunction showed no significant impact on parental mental health (B = -0.053, p = .188), and neither variable significantly predicted children’s mental health outcomes. The study recommends interventions focused on family role clarification, counseling, and community-based mental health support. These findings offer valuable insights for parents, educators, mental health practitioners, and policymakers, and underscore the need for longitudinal research to explore causal relationships and evaluate the long-term effectiveness of family-centered interventions.