Depression in Caregivers of Young Children Ages 0-5 Years Old

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Executive Function and Social-Emotional Development in Early Childhood

Abstract

This study explores factors contributing to depression symptoms among childcare providers of young children (ages 0-5) using a national dataset. Hierarchical linear regression models revel that personal characteristics (e.g., age, language proficiency, and perceived health) explain 12.9% of the variance. Educational credentials add little, while perceived work environment accounts for 17.8%. A comprehensive model highlights the importance of job
demand and work environment, explaining 22.6% of the variance. The final model shows teamwork moderates the effect of job demand, with total variance explained increasing to 36.5%. Findings suggest improving work conditions, supporting teamwork, and enhancing language proficiency may reduce depression symptoms and improve childcare quality.

Authors

• Hongxia Zhao, University of North Alabama

• Qiuju Tian, Kean University