Depressie, stemming en de gezinsrol bij moeders van

Abstract

Introduction: Having a chronically ill or disabled child greatly influences many aspects of everyday life. Literature study shows mothers of an ill child report more symptoms of depression and have more negative mood ratings than mothers of a healthy child. This study examines the influence of the mother’s family role on the level of symptoms of depression and the weekly mood rating reported by the mother. Method: The analyses are based on the contribution of 216 participants. All completed an internet questionnaire, which contained a part of the SCL-90, the VROPSOM, and questions about the family role. Using an objective and a subjective method, the mothers are subdivided into three groups according to their family role: main provider of household income, main caretaker of the child(ren) or a combination of both (working part-time and taking care of the child). Results: Mothers of an ill child report more symptoms of depression and have more negative weekly mood ratings than mothers of a healthy child. Neither with the objective, nor with the subjective method a significant difference was found in the level of symptoms of depression and negative mood ratings among the three groups. Also no interaction effect was found. Discussion: Although there was no effect for the mother’s family role, the findings show the amount of time the mother spends on recreation significantly influences the experience of depression and negative mood. Notably, mothers of both ill and healthy children spent the same amount of time taking care of their children, though they might fulfill different tasks. Mothers of ill children less often work out of the house than mothers of healthy children. However, in both groups of mothers a similar number of mothers perceive themselves as a caretaker.