The Role of Parenting Social Support, Religious Coping, and Religious Practices in Moderating the Effects of Financial Poverty on Symptoms of Depression Among Rural, Low-Income Mothers

Abstract

This study explored relationships between financial poverty, social support, religious coping, religious practices, and symptoms of depression among rural, low-income mothers. Given the higher incidence of depression in these impoverished mothers and the limited mental health services in rural areas, this study sought to identify factors that are protective against depression. While research suggests that social support, religious coping and religious practices are protective against depression, there has been little research exploring these relationships among rural, low-income mothers. Correlations, t-tests, and hierarchical multiple regressions were utilized. The findings did not support the hypotheses that social support, religious coping, and religious practices functioned as moderators. However, for all mothers the higher the perception of economic situation and income adequacy, parenting social support, and religious practices, the lower the symptoms of depression. Additionally, for minority mothers the higher the religious coping, the lower the symptoms of depression. Recommendations for future research and psychotherapy are discussed.