Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-15-2025

Graduate Advisor

Brittania Phillips, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Co-Advisor

Julie Bertram, Ph.D., RN

Committee

Joel Epstein, Ph.D.

Abstract

Abstract

Research indicates that non-offending caregivers of traumatized children (NOC) is a population with an elevated risk for increased levels of depression and anxiety and are an underserved population for mental health services. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine if screening caregivers of traumatized children using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) improves identification of depression and anxiety. Participants of this investigation were individuals enrolled in the Children’s Advocacy Services of Greater St. Louis’ 12-week parenting group, TASK (Trauma, Assessment, Skills, and Knowledge). Each participant was asked to complete the PHQ-8 and the GAD-7, upon enrollment into the group and then again at completion. Results demonstrated that participants of the TASK group have a high rate of positive screening for depression and anxiety, which warranted a referral for additional mental health services. This project had seven participants with six of the seven scoring five or more on the depression screening (M=7.0, SD=5.48) and on the anxiety screening (M=4.86, SD=5.43). The group consisted primarily (72%) of female participants. Given the high rate of positive screenings in this sample group and the lack of empirical studies, further investigations as to how better to serve this at-risk population are warranted.

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