| The purpose of this study was to examine whether differences found in the interaction patterns of depressed versus non-depressed parents with their children, were also evident in the responses of depressed versus non-depressed childcare providers. A group of 125 childcare providers and preschool teachers watched a series of video vignettes and completed a questionnaire rating their likely responses to each situation. Data were also collected about the type of work settings for caregivers, their current and past moods, social support, and demographic characteristics.The most important result from this study is that childcare providers who work in corporate-owned (chain) childcare centers are more likely to be higher in depressive symptoms than is the case for providers who work in non-corporate owned centers or in home-based childcare environments. Furthermore, those who work in chain centers, and also endorse having low social support are at the greatest risk of being depressed, whereas those who work at a non-chain center, with high social support, are most likely to be categorized as free of depression currently, as well as in the past.The main hypothesis of this study was not supported. Depressed providers compared to non-depressed providers, were not found to report more negative, less positive, and more disengaged responses toward children. Several potential explanations for the failure to find expected patterns of behavior among depressed caregivers are explored within this dissertation. Many suggested directions for future research in this important, yet understudied area of research are also included. |
