Predictors of depressive mood in mothers of clinic-referred children

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the correlates/predictors of depressive mood in mothers of young clinic-referred noncompliant children. Based on prior research, behaviors/events from three areas were investigated: individual (personal), spouse and child. Furthermore, positive and negative behaviors/events from each area were examined. Using a single- S methodology with replication, 9 mothers served as Ss. Data were collected across 30 days for participants and, subsequently, each mother's data were analyzed by correlational and multiple-regression techniques. Contrary to expectation, maternal individual events/behaviors served as the best predictors of depressive mood. Behaviors/events from each of the three areas (individual, spouse, child) entered into at least two multiple-regression equations, suggesting the importance of each area for at least some mothers. Finally, negative behaviors/events were better predictors of daily depressive mood than were positive behavior/events.