L. Tannenbaum et R. Forehand, MATERNAL DEPRESSIVE MOOD - THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IN PREVENTING ADOLESCENT PROBLEM BEHAVIORS, Behaviour research and therapy, 32(3), 1994, pp. 321-325
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.