Maternal depression and parental distress among families in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project: Risk factors within the family setting

TitleMaternal depression and parental distress among families in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project: Risk factors within the family setting
Publication TypeJournal Article
AuthorsRafferty, Y., K. W. Griffin, and D. Robokos
This study examined the influence of risk factors within the family environment (inadequate resources, insufficient caregiving support from child's father, higher family conflict) on maternal well being (depression and parental distress) using a longitudinal panel research design. Participants consisted of 2,040 low-income mothers of young children enrolled in the Early Head Start (EHS) Research and Evaluation Project. Findings indicated that greater family resources at 14 months had a protective effect on maternal well-being at 36 months, controlling for demographic variables and maternal well-being at 14 months. Furthermore, the effect of family resources on maternal well-being was moderated by father caregiving support, such that family resources were protective, particularly when father caregiving support was lower. Family conflict at 14 months was associated with lower maternal well-being at 36 months, controlling for demographic variables and maternal well-being at 14 months. Our findings suggest that low-income mothers need the support and resources of programs such as EHS to overcome the hurdles and challenges of parenting in high-risk settings. Implications for clinical practice and EHS are discussed.
Title Maternal depression and parental distress among families in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project: Risk factors within the family setting
Publication Title Infant Ment Health J
Publication Type Journal Article
Published Year 2010
Authors Y. Rafferty; K.W. Griffin; D. Robokos
Accession Number 28543836
Number 5
ISBN Number 1097-0355 (Electronic)<br/>0163-9641 (Linking)
Grant List
-

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

For breaking news and to stay connected, follow us on social media. Sign up to get our E-News delivered straight to your inbox.