title: The influence of self-esteem and social support on the relationship between stigma and depressive symptomology in parents caring for children with intellectual disabilities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study explored the synergistic relationship between stigma, self-esteem and social support, as predictors of depressive symptomology in parents of children with disabilities (e.g. Autism and Down syndrome).
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and seventy-three parents (115 parents of children with disabilities and 58 control parents) completed measures of perceived stigma, self-esteem, social support and depressive symptoms.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Parents of children with disabilities reported more depressive symptomology; additionally, stigma, self-esteem and social support were associated with depressive symptomology. Moreover, the association between stigma and depressive symptomology was mediated by self-esteem, i.e. parents who reported higher stigma were lower on self-esteem and more depressed. Further, this path varied as a function of emotional support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results highlight the need for tailored interventions that offer parents effective strategies in dealing with stigma through social support and self-esteem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.|Center for Social Issues Research, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cantwell
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.|Center for Social Issues Research, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.|Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Muldoon
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.|Center for Social Issues Research, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.|Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gallagher
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000451:nursing*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology*; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000451:nursing*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D057545:Social Stigma; D012944:Social Support
keywords: children with disabilities; depression; parents; self-esteem; social support