Social support, competence, and depression in mothers of abused children.

Using a stress-social-support-psychological functioning model, this study compares mothers of abused and nonabused children on perceived social support, perceived competence, and depressive symptomatology; examines the impact of abuse status on changes over time in these domains; and assesses the relative contributions of social support and abuse status to self-worth and depression. Results highlight the importance of early identification of maternal depression in cases of child abuse, and the need for services that enhance social skills and provide social support for both children and parents.