Maternal Abuse, Mental Health Problems and Academic Performance in Adolescents of Single Mother and Both Parents

Abstract

The present study was designed to investigate the link of maternal abuse with mental health problems and academic performance in adolescents. In addition, moderation between mental health problems and academic performance was also assessed. The sample comprised of 300 adolescents (150=living with both parents,150=living with single mothers) age ranges between 11-18 years (M=14.46, SD= 1.71). In this correlational study, the data was collected through purposive sampling technique from different schools of Manga Mandi. Maternal abuse, mental health problems and academic performance was measured by administering Child Abuse Scale Revised (CAS) Adolescent version (Malik & Ghaffar 2014), Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (Lovibond, S & Lovibond P, 1995) and previous class percentages respectively. Regression analysis indicated that maternal abuse was the strongest predictor of mental health problems and academic performance. Further, parental status significantly moderated the link between maternal abuse and mental health problems. Study concluded that maternal abuse was more associated with mental health problems in case of both parents whereas showed lower association in case of single mothers. This study is a unique contribution for the society in a way, it helps in the better development of children and provide awareness to the parents that how their maltreatment practices could affect the academic performance and mental health of their children.