Explaining the causal model of co-parenting based on parenting stress by moderating role of family leisure and humor

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the mediating role of family leisure and humor in the relationship between parenting stress and co-parenting. Methods: The present study population consisted of all parents living in Kermanshah in 2020, from which 300 people were selected to participate in the study using multi-stage cluster sampling. Research instruments included Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, Zabriski Family Leisure Activity Profile, Co-parenting Relationship Scale, and the Family Members’ Humor Scale. The research was descriptive and structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. Results: The results of data analysis showed that there is a significant direct relationship between parenting stress variables and co-parenting (P 0.001; β = -0.43), parenting stress and family humor (P 0.001; β= -0.34), parenting stress variables and family leisure (P 0.001; β= -0.28), humor in the family and co-parenting (P 0.001; β= 0.4). Also, the humor variable in the family could play a mediating role in the relationship between parenting stress and co-parenting (P 0.002; β= 0.17). Conclusion: Therefore, it can be said that humor and games in families can play an important role both in creating co-parenting and decreasing of the negative effect of parenting stress on co-parenting.