Volume 25, Issue 3
Depressive Symptoms, Parental Stress and Family Functioning
Abstract
The following research examines the relationship between depressive symptoms, parental stress and family functioning characteristics. Fifty mothers and fathers were assessed in their homes using questionnaires. The results reveal different trends for mothers and fathers. The former tend to have higher levels of depressive symptoms and stress related to intra-familial and interactional aspects whereas fathers tend to be more affected by instability in maternal mental health and by the presence of environmental risks. A career is a protective factor for mothers whereas for fathers, an older age and a higher level of education are protective factors.
Keywords
Depressive symptoms, parental stress, family functioning