The Experience of Depression, Self-Efficacy, and Family Functioning Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Mixed Methods Study [Formula: see text].
Stefanie Zavodny Jackson, Margaret C Souders, Jennifer A Pinto-Martin and 2 others
PMID 41689833WHAT IT FOUND
Mothers whose depression screening stayed positive described persistent low mood, self-blame, passive coping and strained family roles.
Those whose screening stayed negative described acceptance, shared responsibilities and better communication. Some mothers' screening changed with stressors.
Key findings
01Mothers who screened positive at both encounters described persistent low mood, self-blame, passive coping and poor family communication.
02Mothers who screened negative at both encounters described generally good mood, acceptance, active coping and balanced family roles.
03Mothers whose screening result changed between encounters described fluctuating emotions tied to external stressors and mixed family functioning.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The PHQ-9 is a depression screening tool, not a diagnosis, and it measured current state rather than longer-term tendency. Some mothers' screening results changed between the prevalence study and interview, so the groups were not stable. The second PHQ-9 was completed after the interview, which may have influenced answers. Family functioning and child behavior were described only by mothers, not by partners, siblings or children. The sample was 21 mothers selected from a convenience sample of 101 mothers and was mostly White, highly educated and partnered, so it may not represent all families. One person coded and interpreted the data, with expert oversight, which is a potential source of bias. The study describes experiences and does not show that any treatment works.
Declared interests
The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by The Advancing Early Research Opportunities Grant from the Rita and Alex Hillman Foundation, and the School of Nursing Student Grant Award from the University of Pennsylvania.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that screening or family therapy improves maternal depression or child outcomes. This qualitative study describes mothers' experiences and does not test any intervention.