MATERNAL DEPRESSIVE MOOD - THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IN PREVENTING ADOLESCENT PROBLEM BEHAVIORS

The current study examines the role of the father-adolescent relations hip as a buffer for maternal depressive mood in a nonclinic young adol escent sample (n = 282). Internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as grade point average, were examined. Results indicated that, fo r all three variables, maternal depressive mood was associated with po orer functioning. Of most importance, for internalizing and externaliz ing problems, a good father-adolescent relationship served to buffer t he adolescent from maternal depressed mood. This effect existed regard less of the gender of the adolescent or parental marital status. The f indings suggest that behavior problems are associated with even mild l evels of one family stressor, maternal depressive mood, and that these problems can be counteracted through an intrafamilial support system- the father. Implications for the behavior therapist are considered.