Date of Conferral

9-15-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Jesus Tanguma

Abstract

Maternal mental health disparities in the United States continue to impact reproductive-age women, especially those from underserved populations. In this quantitative study, how healthcare accessibility and socioeconomic status (SES) influenced psychological stress and maternal mental health outcomes was examined. Bronfenbrenner’s socioecological model and critical race theory guided the theoretical framework. Secondary data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were used to analyze three research questions related to the predictive relationships between systemic factors and mental health outcomes, and differences in stress across age groups. Key variables included insurance coverage, access to a personal doctor, cost-related barriers, income, employment status, depressive disorder diagnosis, and number of mentally unhealthy days. Due to assumption violations, multiple linear regression and ANOVA were not conducted. Binary logistic regression was used to assess predictors of depressive disorder diagnosis. Results showed the overall model was not statistically significant, and none of the systemic predictors significantly influenced the likelihood of depressive disorder diagnosis. Although the findings were not statistically significant, systemic factors may still indicate important trends warranting further exploration. This study may contribute to social change through the development of data-driven strategies aimed at reducing maternal mental health disparities and promoting healthcare equity.

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