Date of Conferral

2015

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jody Dill

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify if the rate of behavioral health rehabilitation services (BHRS) impacts depressive symptoms of mothers with children receiving these services and if the perception of social support moderates the severity of depression. The stress-buffering hypothesis and Bowen's family systems theory were used for the theoretical framework. A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from mothers of children receiving BHRS Provider 50 services in northeast Pennsylvania. The Beck Depression Inventory, Second Edition and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used to assess depression and perceived social support. A self-made demographic form was used to identify the rate of BHRS and demographic characteristics. Linear regression and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to identify relationships between the study variables. According to study results, the rate of BHRS did not predict the severity of maternal depression, and perceived social support did not moderate the relationship between rate of BHRS and maternal depression. However, it was found that perceived social support was negatively correlated with the severity of maternal depression. This study provides information to the behavioral health community about maternal depression and raises awareness of the importance of caregiver well-being within the BHRS Provider 50 programs. Specifically, mothers caring for a child with special needs may benefit from additional support within a wraparound program.

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