The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of infant temperament on mothers’ positive parenting style, with a focus on examining the mediating effects of mothers’ negative psychological variables (depression and parenting stress). Using data from the 2nd Panel Study on Korean Children(Korea Institute of Child Care and Education, 2009), the study examined temperaments of 1,904 infants who were born in 2008 and parenting style of their mothers. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings are as follows:
First, infant temperament effected mothers’ negative psychological state and mothers’ positive parenting style. Also, mothers’ negative psychological variables had effects on mothers’ positive parenting style. Second, the effects of infant temperament on mothers’ positive parenting style were mediated by mothers’ negative psychological variables. Findings suggest that it is necessary to support mothers to reduce their depression and parenting stress.