Mothers' help-seeking for pediatric psychosocial problems.

Pediatricians have been criticized for failing to identify psychosocial problems in their pediatric patients. Maternal disclosure is important for identification; however, many mothers fail to discuss their concerns with the pediatrician. The present study explored the hypothesis that mothers are seeking and receiving help from sources other than the pediatrician. Participants were 50 mothers who brought their 4-13-year-old child for a routine health supervision visit at a county-funded hospital serving primarily low-income families. Results indicated that mothers actively seek help from multiple sources and find the help they receive useful. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.