Methamphetamine-using parents: the relationship between parental role strain and depressive symptoms.

ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE:The methamphetamine epidemic in the United States involves a large number of men and women with dependent-age children. However, we know little about the parenting strains experienced by methamphetamine-using mothers and fathers and the relationship of these parenting strains to mental health outcomes, specifically depressive symptoms. METHOD:The primary goal of this study was to examine five dimensions of parental role strain in relation to depressive symptoms in a sample of 180 methamphetamine-using parents of dependent-age children in San Diego, CA. Dimensions of parental role strain included child emotional and behavioral problems, child physical health problems, child-related financial strain, interpersonal conflict involving children, and intrapsychic strain related to children. RESULTS:Methamphetamineusing mothers reported significantly more child-related emotional and behavioral problems compared with methamphetamine-using fathers (7.9 vs. 6.8; t = 2.5, p < .05). In multiple regression analysis, higher Beck depression scores were associated with being a mother (? = .186, p < .05), having more children younger than 18 years old (? = .165, p < .05), less emotional support (? = -.230, p < .01), and higher scores on intrapsychic parental role strain related to children (? = .288, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS:These findings suggest the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of parenting strain in the development of drug treatment and counseling programs for methamphetamine-using parents.

SUBMITTER: Semple SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3211966 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature