Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Major(s)

Psychology

Document Type

Immediate Open Access

Abstract

The present study is a cross-sectional examination of associations between mother and father depression as it relates to child internalizing symptoms and anxious and depressed symptomatology. The study builds on the literature that underscores the importance of parental mental health for child outcomes, particularly anxiety and depression symptoms, by examining the role of gender in the link between parental depression and child internalizing symptoms. This study included 256 children (M age = 9.53 years; SD = 29.97 months; 123 males) and their mothers, fathers, and teachers. The measures included the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the Teacher Report Form. The results showed that maternal and paternal mental health indicators were associated with child internalizing symptoms, even after controlling for the role of SES, child age, and child sex. Mothers’ depression was more strongly correlated with child outcomes than fathers. Results indicated that child sex did not moderate the association between either mother or father depression on child depression symptoms. Findings can be used to inform prevention and intervention services and policy.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.54718/WDGN1612

Date Defended

4-23-2025

Thesis Director

Dr. Lori Elmore-Staton

Second Committee Member

Angel Fason, M.S.

Third Committee Member

Dr. Holli Seitz

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