Evaluating the Implications of Parental Mental Illness for Children Using an Ecological Perspective

Evaluating the Implications of Parental Mental Illness for Children Using an Ecological Perspective by Jessica Carroll MS, Capella University, 2008 BA, Benedictine College, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2016 Abstract Researchers have extensively studied the experiences and potential consequences of being a child whose parent has a mental illness (COPMI). However, there is no consensus on the best way to support these children, in general or in schools. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the effects of parental mental illness on children by using an ecological approach. Researchers have used ecological theory to illustrate theResearchers have extensively studied the experiences and potential consequences of being a child whose parent has a mental illness (COPMI). However, there is no consensus on the best way to support these children, in general or in schools. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the effects of parental mental illness on children by using an ecological approach. Researchers have used ecological theory to illustrate the importance of internal characteristics, skills, and supports for children to enhance resiliency. This study looked at whether COPMI differed significantly from the children of parents of parents with no current or past mental illness (NonCOPMI) on the Developmental Assets Profile (DAP). The study also looked at whether there was a significant difference in the change in DAP scores for the COPMI compared to the NonCOPMI over time. A secondary data analysis of DAP survey results was performed and SPSS v.23. 0 (IBM, 2015) software was used to complete one-way and two-way repeated measures ANOVA on DAP scores. COPMI reported lower DAP levels than NonCOPMI, and this difference was statistically significant in some areas of Internal Assets and Social and Community contexts. These findings suggest that COPMI may be challenged in these areas and are in line with previous findings regarding the challenges that COPMI may face and supports the continued use of ecological theory. By utilizing the DAP survey, specific areas where COPMI may benefit from additional supports can help professionals promote resilience among children. Proactive efforts like this, especially in schools, where increasing attention is being paid to mental health education, may contribute to positive social change. Evaluating the Implications of Parental Mental Illness for Children Using an Ecological Perspective by Jessica Carroll MS, Capella University, 2008 BA, Benedictine College, 2003 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Clinical Psychology Walden University November 2016 Dedication To my husband, Royal, for encouraging me to see this through to the end. To my children, Aislinn, Ailidh, and JohnPatrick, for their patience while Mom worked diligently on her computer for countless hours on weekends while at swim meets, soccer games, and rugby matches; without which this may have been finished years ago. And to the countless unnamed children of adult clients whom I have worked with in the past and the child clients I currently work with every day. I truly believe these children can overcome any challenge life throws at them with the right supports and people who care. Acknowledgments Mahalo to Dr. Timothy Lionetti for his guidance and support throughout this process. Despite the various challenges I have faced along the way, Dr. Lionetti has demonstrated patience and understanding while pushing me to continue to move forward by taking things one step at a time. Thank you, Dr. Lionetti, for the time you have spent reviewing my work, responding to my numerous emails, and providing valuable feedback and direction via telephone calls despite the large time difference. I would also like to thank my committee member, Dr. Virginia Salzer, for her guidance and support as well. Last but not least, I’d like to thank my family for their patience and encouragement throughout the years that I have spent working towards this goal. Thank you, Royal, for your understanding when I became almost intolerable during this process, for taking the children out of the house for hours at a time so I could work without interruption and for being my cheerleader when I become discouraged. To my children, who have heard me talk for years about finishing my dissertation and will finally see me accomplish a goal – I hope they will learn from my example and strive to achieve their dreams, despite the obstacles they may encounter along the way.