Mental Health Services for Preschool Children in Primary Care: A Survey of Maternal Attitudes and Beliefs

Abstract

This study examined maternal attitudes and practices that may prevent preschoolers from receiving needed mental health services. Mothers of 110 children ages 3-6 completed a survey of maternal attitudes and practices and the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI). Mothers wanted pediatrician assistance with child behavior concerns. Mothers of children with elevated ECBI scores reported most often discussing disruptive behaviors with their pediatrician, and preferred clinician-provided services, whereas mothers of children with normal range ECBI scores most often discussed developmental issues with the pediatrician and preferred parenting help from handouts and books. Mothers reported receiving clinician-provided services almost never. Mothers were open to psychosocial services for child behavior problems, particularly via primary care, and ratings of barriers were relatively low despite reporting infrequent service use. Mothers' responses highlight the need for mental health providers in primary care to ensure accessibility of desired services.