Mothers with mental disorders and their children: risk and development

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.201017381

Abstract

Considering that the literature points to mental disorders in mothers as an important risk factor regarding children mental
health, the objective of the present study was to identify and to compare parental styles and levels of social support of mothers with
mental disorders with sane mothers as well as the levels of emotional development of their children. Subjects were 5 mothers with
mental disorders and their children and 5 sane mothers and their children. The instruments used for data collection were a Questionnaire
of Capacities and Difficulties, an Inventory of Parental Style and the Questionnaire of Social Support. Results indicated that mothers
with mental disorders are less satisfied with the social support they receive, and have a Risk Parental Style as regards the development
of antisocial behaviors in their children.