The Association of Maternal Depressive Symptoms with Child Externalizing Problems: The Role of Maternal Support Following Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This study examines the role of abuse-specific maternal support in the association between parent depressive symptoms and child externalizing problems in a sample of children with a history of sexual abuse. In total, 106 mother–child dyads were studied. The association between maternal depressive symptoms and child delinquency behaviors was found to partially operate through abuse-specific maternal support, which was assessed via parent report. Implications of the findings for parenting programs are discussed, and future research directions are considered.

Keywords:

• child sexual abuse
• maternal support
• maternal depressive symptoms
• child externalizing problems

Notes

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aaron Rakow

Aaron Rakow, PhD, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.

Daniel Smith

Daniel Smith, PhD, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Angela M. Begle

Angela M. Begle, PhD, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.

Lynsay Ayer

Lynsay Ayer, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.