Depressive Symptoms Among Primary Caregivers of Children With Mental Health Needs: Mediating and Moderating Variables

The prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms among 155 primary caregivers of children with mental health problems were examined along with variables that mediated or moderated the association of child behavior problems with caregivers' depressive symptoms. Forty percent of participants scored 22 or higher on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, indicating that they might have a serious depression. Perceived personal control, subjective distress, and role disruption mediated the association between internalizing child behavior problems and depressive symptoms. Tangible social support moderated the association between internalizing behavior problems and depressive symptoms. Intangible social support moderated the association between externalizing behavior problems and depressive symptoms.