Trauma Symptoms and Social Support Mediate the Impact of Violence Exposure on Parenting Competence Among Substance-Dependent Mothers

Abstract

Women with substance use disorders (SUDs) experience high rates of violence exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are associated with parenting anxiety and lower parenting satisfaction among mothers. Although social support may buffer the impact of violence and PTSD on parenting, violence exposure and PTSD may impair mothers' ability to create, perceive, and utilize social support. We examined the impact of violence exposure, trauma symptoms, and interpersonal support on parenting competence among 291 mothers with substance dependence, using ordinary least squares regression and path analysis. Greater violence exposure and trauma symptoms were associated with lower parenting competence. Greater interpersonal support was associated with greater parenting competence. Trauma symptoms and interpersonal support sequentially mediated the impact of violence exposure on parenting competence, suggesting one pathway through which violence exposure may affect parenting among substance-dependent mothers. Implications for practice include the need to utilize trauma-informed interventions that modify social support.

The protective effects of social support and family functioning on parenting stress among Hispanic/Latino/a American immigrant parents with traumatic life experiences: A mediation analysis

“…Brown et al. (2021) presented similar results on how social support mediated the impact of violence exposure and trauma symptoms on another aspect of parenting—parenting competence—among a racially diverse sample of mothers in the U.S. with substance use disorders and PTSD. Aspects of family functioning such as communication, family dynamics, and problem‐solving skills, could be improved through family‐focused interventions and may allow mothers to better manage parenting stress.…”

Revealing the Profile of Foster Parents, Biological Parents, Foster Children and the Triadic Relationship amongst them

“…Parental trauma can affect how parents raise their children, the bond they form with them, and the general atmosphere at home, which can affect the mental health and actions of the children (Gkintoni et al, 2021a). Research indicates that increased exposure to violence and symptoms of trauma in parents are linked to reduced parenting competence, which can worsen the difficulties experienced by children in these environments (Brown et al, 2018). Comprehending the intricate relationship between parental trauma, parenting behaviors, and child outcomes is essential for creating successful interventions and support systems that cater to the requirements of parents and children in families impacted by trauma.…”

“…Through careful observation and recording of the behavior and reactions of both parties, the social worker can come to conclusions about whether taking on temporary care is in the best interests of the minor and whether the prospective foster parents can effectively fulfil their role. Finally, once the period of acquaintance and adaptation to the structure is completed and the Inter-disciplinary team decides that the placement of the minor in the specific family is feasible, the foster parents continue to receive the help and support of the social worker and the body supervising the foster care, for any problems that will arise during the period of the minor's stay in the family (Anynet.gr, 2022;Betsy & Konida, 2020).…”

Annual Research Review: Prenatal opioid exposure – a two‐generation approach to conceptualizing neurodevelopmental outcomes

“…Exposure to ACES can exacerbate symptoms of addiction and increase risk for child maltreatment. In mothers using substances, violence exposure and current trauma symptoms predicted lower parenting competence (Brown et al., 2021). Substance use in women also increases the risk for child maltreatment (Dubowitz et al., 2011), and this risk was stronger if women were experiencing additional risk factors such as poverty (Ondersma, 2002), increasing the likelihood that children are placed in foster care (Moreland et al., 2021).…”