Thesis Abstract and Dissertation Abstracts

The present study was concerned with maternal depression and its implications for the youngest primary school-aged son in the family, based on the perceptions of depressed mothers, their spouses and the boys’ teachers. Research in the area of maternal depression is vital for understanding possible short-term and long-term implications that growing up with a depressed mother may have on children.

A qualitative design was employed and data was obtained by means of semistructured interview guides, used with mothers, fathers and teachers respectively. In this manner, triangulation of perceptions regarding the child allowed for a more holistic perspective.

The main finding in the study is the presence of an inconsistent and chaotic home environment, which governs the children’s lives. Mothers and father commented primarily about relationships within the family, namely the mother-child and the father-child relationships, as well as the marital relationship. Mothers, fathers and teachers spoke about the manner in which they perceive the children, focussing on physical, social, emotional, behavioural and academic aspects. Congruent with the main body of literature in this area, generally mothers held the most negative view, observing both internalising and externalising symptoms in the boys. Perceptions of fathers and teachers were more positive and were usually similar to each other. It is recommended that professionals working within the caring fields need to have an understanding of maternal depression and its implications on the family, so as to be able to provide a better service to the families in their care.

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Submission Details: Thesis Abstract submitted by Jo Christine Scicluna from Malta on 22-Oct-2003 19:42.
Abstract has been viewed 3236 times (since 7 Mar 2010).

Jo Christine Scicluna Contact Details: Email: jo@maltanet.net