Methamphetamine-Using Parents: The Relationship Between Parental Role Strain and Depressive Symptoms

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Objective: The methamphetamine epidemic in the UnitedStates involves a large number of men and women with dependent-age children. However, we know little about the parenting strains experienced by methamphetamine-using mothers and fathers and the relationship of these parenting strains to mental health outcomes, specifi cally depressive symptoms. Method: The primary goal of this study was to examine fi ve dimensions of parental role strain in relation to depressive symptoms in a sample of 180 methamphetamine-using parents of dependent-age children in San Diego, CA. Dimensions of parental role strain included child emotional and behavioral problems, child physical health problems, child-related fi nancial strain, interpersonal confl ict involving children, and intrapsychic strain related to children. Results: Methamphetamineusing mothers reported signifi cantly more child-related emotional and behavioral problems compared with methamphetamine-using fathers (7.9 vs. 6.8; t = 2.5, p < .05). In multiple regression analysis, higher Beck depression scores were associated with being a mother (β = .186, p < .05), having more children younger than 18 years old (β = .165, p < .05), less emotional support (β = -.230, p < .01), and higher scores on intrapsychic parental role strain related to children (β = .288, p < .01). Conclusions: These fi ndings suggest the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of parenting strain in the development of drug treatment and counseling programs for methamphetamine-using parents. (J. Stud. Alcohol Drugs, 72, 954-964, 2011)

Factors associated with experiences of stigma in a sample of HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men

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Correlates of Drug Dealing in Female Methamphetamine Users

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Unprotected Sexual Practices Among Men Who Have Sex with Women and Men Who Have Sex with Men Living with HIV/AIDS in Rio de Janeiro

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