Disentangling family processes at multiple levels of analysis: data from a parenting program for military families

Abstract

Depression is the most common psychopathology worldwide. It has genetic underpinnings and leads to dysfunction and maladjustment in many aspects of life. Military personnel have elevated risk for depression after combat exposure, which can be a source of stress for both the civilian spouse and the children. However, the role of depression influencing family dynamics and child development outcomes has been rarely examined in the post deployment population. ADAPT is a parenting training program designed for post deployment families. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in increasing effective parenting practices and reducing overall distress; however, no research has explored whether an individual's genotype modifies the effectiveness of ADAPT. Study 1 investigated the association between parental depression, parental locus of control, and child negative emotionality utilizing a cross-lagged panel model. Results showed a consistent negative association between earlier child negative emotionality and later parental locus of control, and a negative association between earlier parental locus of control and later parental depression. These associations were significant for mothers only. Study 2 examined the effects of ADAPT in improving parental locus of control directly and reducing parental depression indirectly through the promotion of parental locus of control. Specifically, the role of genes was examined in moderated mediation models and a biologically informed baseline targeted moderated mediator model. The direct intervention effects in promoting parental locus of control and the indirect intervention effects in reducing parental depression were confirmed; however, these effects were not modified by parents’ genotype. The current dissertation highlighted the role of parental depression in influencing family functions in military families. It also demonstrated that ADAPT is a promising training program to reduce the risk and distress in post deployment families. The limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed.