Influence of caregiver network support and caregiver psychopathology on child mental health need and service use in the LONGSCAN study

Abstract

Using structural equation modeling, this study examined the relationship of caregiver network support on caregiver and child mental health need, as well as child mental health service use among 1075 8-year-old children participating in the LONGSCAN study. The final model showed acceptable fit (χ2 = 301.476, df = 136, p<0.001; RMSEA = 0.052; CFI = 0.95). Caregiver and child mental health needs were positively related. As predicted, caregiver network support exerted a protective effect, with greater levels of caregiver network support predictive of lower caregiver and child need. Contrary to prediction, however, caregiver network support was not directly related to child service use. Higher child need was directly related to child service use, especially among children whose caregivers had mental health problems. The findings appear to indicate that lower levels of caregiver network support may exert its impact on child service use indirectly by increasing caregiver and child need, rather than by directly increasing the likelihood of receiving services, especially for African American children.

South African adult caregivers as “protective shields”: Serving as a buffer between stressful neighborhood conditions and youth risk behaviors

“…This helps the child feel safe and secure, which improves his functional development. When the caregiver has a strong support system, it also improves their capability to parent effectively (Casale et al, 2015;Lindsey et al, 2008Lindsey et al, , 2012Ward, Gould, Kelly, & Mauff, 2015). This remains salient even if they reside in areas that are impacted by poverty (McKay et al, 2014;Morris et al, 2017).…”

The Impact of Kinship Networks on Foster Care Children's Outcomes

“…This type of indirect effect has been found in the non–foster care literature. Specifically, Taylor, Casten, and Flickinger () found that kinship networks had their beneficial effects on emotional and behavioral outcomes indirectly by promoting authoritative parenting, and among maltreated children, Lindsey et al () found that caregiver mental health needs mediated the relationship between network support and children's behavioral needs.…”

The Influence of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Adolescent Outcomes: The Roles of Gender, Poverty, and Revictimization

“…Nationally, about 75% of children receiving special education for LD or ED are male (National Education Association of the United States & National Association of School Psychologists, 2007). In a study of children reported for maltreatment, mental health need did not vary by gender but access to mental health treatment did (Lindsey et al, 2012). Although Lindsey and colleagues (2012) found that girls were less likely to access treatment, their sample included all maltreatment types rather than being restricted to CSA.…”

“…In a study of children reported for maltreatment, mental health need did not vary by gender but access to mental health treatment did (Lindsey et al, 2012). Although Lindsey and colleagues (2012) found that girls were less likely to access treatment, their sample included all maltreatment types rather than being restricted to CSA. Additionally, other studies with high risk adolescent populations have found that female adolescents are significantly more likely to receive mental health treatment than males (Herz, 2001; Lopez-Williams, Stoep, Kuo, & Stewart, 2006).…”