Date of Award

12-6-2022

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Human Development and Family Science

Advisor(s)

Roopnarine, Jaipaul

Subject Categories

Social Psychology

Abstract

High rates of depressive symptoms and intimate partner violence in Kenya place children at risk for behavioral difficulties well beyond the preschool years. This study examined (a) whether paternal depressive symptoms, psychological and physical intimate partner violence, and rejection were associated with children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors above maternal risk factors, and (b) whether psychological and physical intimate partner violence and paternal/maternal rejection mediated the associations between depressive symptoms and children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors differently for mothers and fathers. Propositions within the developmental psychopathology framework and interpersonal acceptance-rejection theory guided the formulation of the research questions and hypotheses. A sample of 193 mothers and fathers with preschool-aged children from Kakamega County, Kenya participated in the study. Results of an additive model indicated that paternal depressive symptoms were associated with children’s internalizing and externalizing behavior problems above and beyond maternal risk factors. Paternal depressive symptoms were not associated with children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors through psychological and physical intimate partner violence and paternal rejection. These findings may be of use in the development of progressive parenting policies and intervention programs that promote family welfare and childhood development in the low- and middle-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

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Open Access

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