Emotional dysregulation in children with AIDS-diagnosed mothers: A comparative study

This study explored emotional dysregulation in children with AIDS-diagnosed mothers by comparing 3 groups of children: children with AIDS-diagnosed mothers (n = 14); children with methadone-maintained mothers ( n = 12); and, children of mothers from a demographically similar control group (n = 24). Children completed the Children's Depression Inventory (Kovacs, 1992); Revised Manifest Anxiety Scale (Reynolds & Richmond, 1985); and the Self-esteem. Inventory (Coopersmith, 1975). Their mothers (N = 50) completed The Multiscore Depression Inventory (Berndt, 1986); State-Trait Anxiety Index (Spielberger, 1983); Family Environment Scale (Moos & Moos, 1986); and the Conners' Parent Rating Scale (Conners, 1990). Mothers and children also commented about participating in this study and future goals they had.; There were no significant differences in self-reported functioning among the 3 groups of children or the 3 groups of mothers. Children reported "average" levels of depression and anxiety and "medium" self-esteem. Children of AIDS-diagnosed mothers reported greater levels of positive self-esteem and fewer depressive feelings than children of methadone-maintained mothers. Children's goals included better housing, success in school, and career aspirations.; AIDS-diagnosed mothers and methadone-maintained mothers reported feeling mildly depressed and more anxious than most women. They reported experiencing "low" family supportiveness. Participation in this study was viewed as "useful" to explore their feelings. Their future goals included financial stability, improved housing, and personal-growth for their children. AIDS-diagnosed mothers also expressed health-related and "recovery" (drug/alcohol) goals.; Results of the study suggest that maternal levels of depression and anxiety are not significantly predictive of emotional dysregulation in children with AIDS-diagnosed mothers as seen in this sample. No significant relationships were found between the mother's length of illness or the child's status as "aware/unaware" of maternal AIDS with the child's self reported functioning. However, there was a significant relationship between the child's self-reported depression and self-esteem with an AIDS-diagnosed mother's ratings of her child's hyperactivity and learning problems. There was also significant relationship between the child's self-reported depression and maternal estimates of the child's anxiety for children of methadone-maintained mothers. Recommendations for future research are offered.