Concerns and coping of African-American mothers after youth assault requiring emergency medical treatment. J Pediatr Psychol 2006 May;31(4):388-96
Date
08/12/2005Pubmed ID
16093519DOI
10.1093/jpepsy/jsj057Scopus ID
2-s2.0-33645996037 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 8 CitationsAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore maternal experience following youth assault occurring in the community.
METHODS: A semistructured interview was used to elicit concerns and coping strategies among 35 African-American mothers whose children received emergency department (ED) treatment for assault-related injuries. Mothers also completed measures of violence exposure, trauma symptoms, social support, and youth functioning.
RESULTS: The most common concerns involved family safety, maternal mental health, and youth externalizing behavior. Faith and social support were the most common coping strategies. High levels of distress were found, which were directly related to maternal violence exposure, relationships that required mothers to nurture others, and youth functioning. Distress was inversely related to relationships that provided guidance from others.
CONCLUSION: Distress is common among low-income African-American mothers of youth assault victims. To bolster youth recovery and to reduce the risk of future injury, ED staff should be knowledgeable regarding culturally sensitive resources to address maternal distress.
Author List
Phelps LF, Davies WH, McCart MR, Klein-Tasman BP, Melzer-Lange MD, Heuermann WAuthors
Bonita Klein-Tasman BA,MA,PhD Professor in the Psychology department at University of Wisconsin - MilwaukeeMarlene D. Melzer-Lange MD Adjunct Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Adaptation, PsychologicalAdolescent
Adult
Attitude to Health
Child
Emergency Medical Services
Female
Humans
Male
Mothers
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
Surveys and Questionnaires
Violence
Wounds and Injuries
