Differences in Parental Expectations and Interactions of African American Mothers with a History of Substance Dependence

Substance dependency can affect a mother's health and her ability to parent. A cross sectional study was implemented to better understand resources of African American mothers in recovery from substance dependence. A convenience sample of 38 African American mothers at two drug treatment centers in Atlanta, Georgia completed the Michigan Screening Profile of Parents (Helfer, Hoffmeister, & Schneider, 1978). Results indicated that women who perceived that their emotional needs were being met were less likely to use maladaptive coping skills. Mothers who used less maladaptive coping skills were less likely to report negative interactions with their children. Results have implications for the needs of African Americans mothers in substance abuse treatment. Follow up studies may benefit from the use of longitudinal and qualitative research methods in order to comprehensively explain the impact of lifetime social supports on maladaptive coping and negative parenting behaviors for African American mothers in recovery. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am thankful for the faith, and love from the Most High, my Ancestors and my family. This support motivated me to complete this task. I am grateful to have these spiritual and familial resources always available to me. I also feel honored and extremely lucky to have worked with such a great committee team. My committee worked well together, intuitively assessing how to assist me. Your dedication to my project speaks volumes about your character and your commitment to the program. My Chair, Jim Emshoff, has impressed me with his talent of reducing what is seemingly complicated to a very basic understanding. I have enjoyed my experience working on different projects under Emshoff' supervision. These experiences have provided a strong foundation for related community development projects. Similar sentiments are felt towards my two Committee Members, Gabe Kuperminc and Rod Watts. Gabe Kuperminc has encouraged me to use innovative statistical techniques such as bootstrapping which has strengthened my confidence to conduct more advanced analyses. Roderick Watts has made sure this project remained an active task and introduced me to community partners who would be willing to act on some of the findings discovered in this research. I also have had unofficial committee members. These members include Leslie Jackson, has provided continuous counsel and support. Kirk Henny and Amber Golden have generously dispensed wisdom at all hours of day and night. This process has been liberating and helpful in refining my research focus. I am looking forward to using these …