Parents and Children ‘s Mental Health Profile in the Community

Abstract The study was conducted by the Mobile Unit for Learning Disabilities from HMU, which provided specialized assessment and support services to children and families across Crete. The interdisciplinary team (special educators, psychologists, other professionals) visited schools and community centers in remote areas to ensure access to comprehensive mental health and learning disabilities evaluations. The interconnection between parental and child mental health was investigated, with particular attention to life satisfaction and financial status. Parental depression and anxiety were assessed using the Beck Inventories; BDI (n = 204) and BAI (n = 213), while child outcomes were measured with the ASEBA (n = 211), scored according to DSM-IV categories. Life Satisfaction Inventory (LSI, n = 220) scores and financial status (n = 203) were also recorded. The results revealed significant correlations between parental/child mental health indicators: BAI scores correlated with the BDI (r = .657, p < 0.01), ASEBA Anxiety Scale (r = .327, p < 0.01), Emotional Problems Scale (r = .240, p < 0.01), and Somatic Complaints (r = .172, p < 0.05). BDI scores were strongly negatively associated with LSI (r = -.564, p < 0.01) and financial strain (r = -.326, p < 0.01), as well as with ASEBA Emotional Problems (r = .323, p < 0.01), Somatic Complaints (r = .212, p < 0.01), Attention Deficit Problems (r = .256, p < 0.01), Oppositional Defiant Problems (r =.237, p < 0.01), and Conduct Problems (r = .370, p < 0.01). Financial strain also showed a positive correlation with BDI (r = .322, p < 0.01) and an inverse relationship with LSI (r =-.386, p < 0.01). These findings highlight the cascading impact of parental mental health and socioeconomic factors on child psychological outcomes in the community setting. The results underscore the importance of integrated psychosocial and economic support interventions, particularly in underserved and rural areas, to promote family mental health and resilience. Key messages • Parental depression and anxiety are closely linked to children’s emotional and behavioral problems, especially in families facing financial strain. • Supporting parental mental health and reducing financial stress are key to improving child well-being in underserved communities.