A Comparison of Mothers with Cooccurring Disorder

Authors: Joanne Nicholson Norma Finkelstein Valerie Williams Jennifer Thom Chanson Noether Megan DeVilbiss

Publish Date: 2006/04/06

Volume: 33, Issue: 2, Pages: 225-243

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Abstract

Data from the Women with Cooccurring Disorders and Histories of Violence Study are used to examine characteristics distinguishing mothers currently providing care for all their minor children n = 558 from mothers separated from one or more minor children n = 1396 Mothers are described and compared on background characteristics and experiences wellbeing and current functioning situational context and services used Analyses control for number of children race and years of education Mothers separated from children have more children less education have more often been homeless in juvenile detention or jail and have lower incomes than mothers living with all their children Mothers separated from children have more extensive experiences of traumatic and stressful life events and the groups differ in current functioning and patterns of services used While crosssectional data do not allow causal inferences challenges faced by mothers have significant implications for policy and programsValerie Williams MA MS is a Research Instructor at the Center for Mental Health Services Research Department of Psychiatry University of Massachusetts Medical School 55 Lake Avenue North Worcester MA 01655 USA Phone +15088568081 Fax +15088568700 Email ValerieWilliamsUmassmededuThis study was funded under Guidance for Applicants GFA No TI 00003 entitled Cooperative Agreement to Study Women with Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health ADM Disorders who have Histories of Violence Phase II from the Department of Health and Human Services Public Health Service Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations three centers Center for Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Mental Health Services and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention March 2000

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