This study addressed ways in which maternal stress(MS) factors are associated with child school performance(CSP) and how these relationships may be mediated by mother-child interaction play therapy(IPT). To better understand the developmental origins of school performance, and to identify targets for early preventive interventions, this study examined the effect of mother-child interactive play therapy to decrease children with low school performance. Participants included 41 mother-child dyads. Measurements, Parental Stress Index(PSI) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) which are mother self-reported and child school performance achievement which is teacher-reported, were administered when children were in grade 1. Using structure equation modeling analysis, the results of this study confirmed that mother-child interactive play therapy is a mediator of the linkage between maternal stress and school performance. Thus, mother-child interactive play therapy acts to buffer the negative cycle of family stress.
Key words : maternal stress, mother-child interaction play therapy, school performance