Mothers of Children With ADHD: Does Employment Help?

Abstract

The current study examined the experiences of a sample of mothers of children with ADHD. Differences between the single and partnered, employed, and unemployed women on the variables of interest were investigated. The contributions of maternal psychological health, employment characteristics, and the marital relationship to the prediction of parenting behaviors were explored. Moreover, the moderating role of employment characteristics on the relationship between maternal psychological health and parenting behaviors was examined. Results showed differences between the single and partnered women on employment characteristics. Maternal psychological health was found to be predictive of poor monitoring and supervision and inconsistent discipline behaviors. Last, flexibility-benefits used was found to moderate the relationship between maternal psychological health and poor monitoring and supervision behaviors. Implications for clinical work and future research directions are discussed.