Author

Amanda Hicks

Date Approved

2021

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Angela D. Staples, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Tamara Loverich, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Catherine Peterson, Ph.D.

Abstract

Parental depression negatively impacts parenting practices, yet other factors such as sleep and executive function may also impact behaviors. Specifically, depression and sleep may impact behaviors through their influence on executive function. The current study examined both the mediating role of executive function on the relation between depression and sleep on parental control and the moderating role of sleep on the relation between depression and executive function on control with mothers of toddlers. Results showed that depression was positively associated with sleep problems and boys were more likely than girls to experience negative control. Socioeconomic status was positively associated with executive function and maternal age and negatively associated with sleep problems and negative control. When considered together, neither maternal depression, sleep, nor executive function significantly predicted negative or positive control. Risk factors associated with maternal control should also be considered in the larger context of the parent-child relationship.

Share

COinS