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

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.