Mothers' Mental Health Status in the United States

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Division E Counseling Poster Session

Abstract

Mothers in the United States face enormous mental health challenges that need to be addressed by counselors. Women have higher rates of depression, anxiety, and stress due to environmental, cultural, and biological factors. Findings from a sample of 525 mothers across the United States showed younger mothers had higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, while mothers with lower incomes showed higher levels of anxiety and depression. Results also indicated that fewer mothers have levels of stress, anxiety, and depression that fall into a normal range than a normal, non-clinical population and substantially more mothers report extremely severe levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than normal, non-mother populations.

Authors

• Margaret Lamar, Palo Alto University

• Courtney Donovan, University of Colorado - Denver

• Lisa Forbes, University of Colorado - Denver

• Shani O'Brien, University of Colorado - Denver