This study examines how mothers fare in the post-abuse environment; that is, how able nonoffending mothers are by virtue of their own mental health and well-being to provide the support their children need. Subjects (N=92) were women who are participating with their daughters in an ongoing study of child sexual abuse; a matched comparison group was created of mother-daughter dyads in which no sexual abuse was present. One symptom domain "depression" was examined; one standardized and well-established instrument, the Beck Depression Inventory, was used to as a measure. Performance on the Beck was compared to mothers' self-reported descriptions of themselves and their functioning and to their day-to-day behavior as recorded in a daily log of activities. Analysis of time use is presented with results from the self-rating scales. As a result, traditional definitions of depression as these are applied to mothers of sexually abused children are broadened, and an understanding of what life tasks these mothers confront on a daily basis is provided. Findings are discussed with a view toward details useful in planning therapy and emotional support to the end that mothers may ultimately receive optimal assistance in providing emotional support to their daughters. (EMK)