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Child Development Mar 2017Depression in mothers is a significant risk factor for the development of maladjustment in children. This article focuses on modifiable risk processes linking depression... (Review)
Review
Depression in mothers is a significant risk factor for the development of maladjustment in children. This article focuses on modifiable risk processes linking depression in mothers and adaptation in their young children (i.e., infancy through preschool age). First, the authors present evidence of the efficacy of interventions for reducing the primary source of risk: maternal depression. Second, they describe a central mechanism-parenting behaviors-underlying the relation between maternal depression and children's adjustment. Third, the authors recommend two different integrated interventions that successfully treat mothers' depression and enhance parenting skills with infants and young children. Finally, the authors note the possible need for supplementary interventions to address severity and comorbidity of mothers' depression, barriers to engaging in treatment, and the sustainability of program benefits.
Topics: Child of Impaired Parents; Child, Preschool; Depressive Disorder, Major; Evidence-Based Practice; Humans; Infant; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Parenting; Psychotherapy
PubMed: 28160275
DOI: 10.1111/cdev.12732 -
Child Maltreatment May 2023Maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with offspring behavioral problems; however, little work has examined these associations longitudinally...
Maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with offspring behavioral problems; however, little work has examined these associations longitudinally across child development. This study examined the effects of maternal history of CM on trajectories of child internalizing and externalizing behavior measured from toddlerhood to preschool, and the role of maternal depressive symptoms and parenting behavior as potential mediators. Participants included 115 mother-child dyads recruited from a hospital maternity ward. Maternal CM was measured at 3-months postpartum. At 18, 36, and 60 months, maternal depressive symptoms and child behavior were assessed via maternal report and parenting behavior was assessed through direct observation. Findings indicated that children of mothers exposed to CM demonstrated poorer trajectories of problem behavior across early childhood. Maternal depressive symptoms mediated the relation between CM and children's internalizing problems. Findings highlight the importance of screening for maternal depressive symptoms and early intervention for maternal and child mental health.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child, Preschool; Pregnancy; Child; Parenting; Depression; Mothers; Child Behavior; Child Abuse; Mother-Child Relations
PubMed: 35081793
DOI: 10.1177/10775595221074364 -
Social Science & Medicine (1982) Jan 2020Bullying among school-age children is a public health issue in the United States. Although research and policy recommendations emphasize parental responsibility for...
Bullying among school-age children is a public health issue in the United States. Although research and policy recommendations emphasize parental responsibility for preventing and dealing with children's bullying involvement, either as victims or perpetrators, we know little about how parents' mental health is linked to children's bullying involvement. We examine three questions on the association between children's bullying involvement and maternal depressive symptoms: (a) Does children's bullying victimization or perpetration increase maternal depressive symptoms?; (b) Do maternal depressive symptoms increase the risk of children bullying or being bullied by other children?; and (c) Do both directions of the associations vary by maternal education level, a key indicator of parenting resources which may buffer the intergenerational stress proliferation? Using panel data from the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (N = 963), we conduct cross-lagged structural equation models to examine bidirectional associations between children's bullying involvement as victims or perpetrators and maternal depressive symptoms across three years when children were third, fifth, and sixth graders in 2001, 2003, and 2004, respectively. Controlling for concurrent associations among children's bullying victimization, perpetration, and maternal depressive symptoms, children's bullying victimization in third grade increases depressive symptoms for mothers without college degrees in fifth grade, whereas children's bullying perpetration in third grade increases depressive symptoms for mothers with college degrees in fifth grade. Regardless of maternal education levels, maternal depressive symptoms in children's third and fifth grade years increase the odds of children bullying or being bullied by other children in subsequent years. These findings underscore the need to take parents' mental health into account to prevent or solve issues concerning children's bullying involvement.
Topics: Adult; Bullying; Child; Depression; Educational Status; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Mothers; Parents; United States
PubMed: 31811962
DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112695 -
European Journal of Psychotraumatology 2023Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are believed to have negative consequences on offspring health. However, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may be...
Maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are believed to have negative consequences on offspring health. However, positive childhood experiences (PCEs) may be concurrent with ACEs, and little is known about how ACEs and PCEs transmit intergenerationally in the context of each other. To explore the independent effect of maternal ACEs and PCEs on offspring psychosocial well-being and how ACEs and PCEs are intergenerationally transmitted in their context. Data were 2587 mother-child dyads in Anhui provinces of China. Mothers retrospectively reported their ACEs and PCEs, as well as provided demographic characteristics and their children's psychosocial well-being. Logistic regression models were performed to explore the associations of maternal ACEs and PCEs with offspring psychosocial well-being. Separate unadjusted logistic regression models showed that children with mothers reported high ACEs scores were more likely to have psychosocial challenges (total difficulties and prosocial problems), while children whose mothers reported high PCEs scores were less likely to have psychosocial challenges. When we added maternal ACEs and PCEs to a same model, we found that PCEs slightly neutralised the negative effects of ACEs on offspring's total difficulties and prosocial problems. When stratified by sample, mothers with high PCE scores and higher maternal ACEs were related with a higher risk of offspring total difficulties; mothers with low levels of ACEs and high PCEs tend to report a lower risk of offspring total difficulties. Results suggest that PCEs are positively and intergenerationally transmitted. Results suggest that PCEs are positively and intergenerationally transmitted. More programme should be provided to increase maternal PCEs. When preventing the intergenerational transmission of ACEs, specific interventions should be provided to mothers with different levels of PCEs.
Topics: Female; Humans; Child, Preschool; Retrospective Studies; Mothers; Adverse Childhood Experiences; China
PubMed: 36919776
DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2185414 -
Journal of Psychiatric Research Dec 2021Parents of a child with a mood disorder report significant levels of distress and burden from caregiving. This study examined whether maternal distress varies over time...
Parents of a child with a mood disorder report significant levels of distress and burden from caregiving. This study examined whether maternal distress varies over time with levels of mood symptoms in youth with mood disorders, and whether expressed emotion (EE) and family functioning moderate these associations. We recruited youth (ages 9-17 years) with mood disorders and familial risk for bipolar disorder (BD) for a randomized trial of family-focused therapy compared to standard psychoeducation. Participants were assessed every 4-6 months for up to 4 years. Using repeated-measures mixed effects modeling, we examined the longitudinal effects of youths' mood symptoms and maternal distress concurrently, as well as whether each variable predicted the other in successive study intervals. Secondary analyses examined the moderating effects of EE and ratings of family cohesion and adaptability on maternal distress. In sample of 118 youth-mother dyads, levels of self-reported parental distress decreased over time, with no differences between treatment conditions. Youths' depressive symptoms and, most strongly, mood lability were associated with greater maternal distress longitudinally; however, maternal distress did not predict youths' mood symptoms or lability. The effect of youth symptoms on maternal distress was greater among mothers who were high EE. Family cohesion was associated with reduced concurrent ratings of maternal distress, whereas family adaptability was associated with reduced maternal distress at successive follow-ups. While maternal distress decreases over time as youths' symptoms decrease, mothers of youth with mood disorders experience significant distress that is directly linked to the youths' depressive symptom severity and lability. Improved family functioning appears to be an important mechanism by which to intervene.
Topics: Adolescent; Affect; Bipolar Disorder; Child; Family Therapy; Female; Humans; Mood Disorders; Mothers
PubMed: 34735839
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.10.041 -
Public Health Reports (Washington, D.C.... 2020The health profile of Arab American mothers and infants may differ from that of non-Arab American mothers and infants in the United States as a result of social stigma... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
OBJECTIVES
The health profile of Arab American mothers and infants may differ from that of non-Arab American mothers and infants in the United States as a result of social stigma experienced in the historical and current sociopolitical climate. The objective of our study was to compare maternal health behaviors, maternal health outcomes, and infant health outcomes of Arab American mothers and non-Hispanic white mothers in Massachusetts and to assess the role of nativity as an effect modifier.
METHODS
Using data from Massachusetts birth certificates (2012-2016), we conducted adjusted logistic and linear regression models for maternal health behaviors, maternal health outcomes, and infant health outcomes. We used Arab ethnicity as the exposure of interest and nativity as an effect modifier.
RESULTS
Arab American mothers had higher odds than non-Hispanic white mothers of initiating breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.61; 95% CI, 2.39-2.86), giving birth to small-for-gestational-age infants (aOR = 1.28; 95% CI, 1.18-1.39), and having gestational diabetes (aOR = 1.31; 95% CI, 1.20-1.44). Among Arab American mothers, non-US-born mothers had higher odds than US-born mothers of having gestational diabetes (aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.33-2.44) and lower odds of initiating prenatal care in the first trimester (aOR = 0.41; 95% CI, 0.33-0.50). In linear regression models, infants born to non-US-born Arab American mothers weighed 42.1 g (95% CI, -75.8 to -8.4 g) less than infants born to US-born Arab American mothers.
CONCLUSION
Although Arab American mothers engage in positive health behaviors, non-US-born mothers had poorer maternal health outcomes and access to prenatal care than US-born mothers, suggesting the need for targeted interventions for non-US-born Arab American mothers.
Topics: Adult; Arabs; Female; Health Behavior; Humans; Infant; Infant Health; Infant, Newborn; Male; Massachusetts; Maternal Behavior; Maternal Health; Mothers; Residence Characteristics; White People
PubMed: 32805192
DOI: 10.1177/0033354920941146 -
PloS One 2018The current study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze concurrent and longitudinal associations between maternal depression symptoms and mother-child... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
The current study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze concurrent and longitudinal associations between maternal depression symptoms and mother-child attachment during the preschool period (aged 2 to 7 years) as assessed using the coding systems by Cassidy and Marvin (1992) and Main and Cassidy (1988). The review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; Registration number CRD42017073417) and was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A total of 7,969 records were screened and 18 articles were deemed as eligible for inclusion in the review. Studies were reviewed using qualitative synthesis techniques and, where appropriate, meta-analysis. Qualitative synthesis indicated that mothers of disorganized/controlling children most consistently reported the highest levels of depressive symptoms, both concurrently and longitudinally. The association between disorganized/controlling child attachment and concurrent maternal depressive symptoms was significant (n = 1,787; g = 0.27, 95% CI [0.13,0.40]), and was not moderated by sample type, child gender, or risk of bias. Findings of a relationship between child attachment insecurity and maternal depressive symptoms must be qualified due to significant within-study heterogeneity and publication bias. Results suggest that maternal depressive symptoms may confer risk for disorganized/controlling attachment during the preschool period.
Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Depression; Humans; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Object Attachment
PubMed: 30278066
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204374 -
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences Oct 2019Maternal mental disorders have been associated with the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Within the context of a mother-child cohort,...
AIMS.
Maternal mental disorders have been associated with the risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. Within the context of a mother-child cohort, we examined whether maternal anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are associated with pre-school ADHD symptoms.
METHODS.
The study included 3634 singletons from the Italian NINFEA (Nascita e INFanzia: gli Effetti dell'Ambiente') cohort. Maternal doctor-diagnosed anxiety, depression and sleep disorders before and during pregnancy were assessed from the questionnaires completed during pregnancy and 6 months after delivery. Mothers rated child ADHD symptoms at 4 years of age, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD-H), inattentive (ADHD-I) and total ADHD scores were analysed in the models adjusted for child's gender, first-born status, maternal age, education, alcohol consumption and smoking during pregnancy.
RESULTS.
The total ADHD score at age 4 was associated with maternal lifetime anxiety (17.1% percentage difference in score compared with never; 95% CI 7.3-27.9%), sleep disorders (35.7%; 95% CI 10.7-66.5%) and depression (17.5%; 95% CI 3.2-33.8%). Similar positive associations were observed also for ADHD-H and ADHD-I traits, with slightly attenuated associations between maternal sleep disorders and child ADHD-I score, and maternal depression and both ADHD scores. All the estimates were enhanced when the disorders were active during pregnancy and attenuated for disorders active only during the pre-pregnancy period.
CONCLUSIONS.
Maternal anxiety, depression and sleep disorders are associated with a relative increase in the number of ADHD-H, ADHD-I and total ADHD symptoms in preschoolers.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Depression; Female; Humans; Mothers; Pregnancy; Sleep Wake Disorders; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 29665879
DOI: 10.1017/S2045796018000185 -
Journal of Nutrition Education and... Jun 2017To examine associations between maternal concern regarding their children becoming overweight and two domains of weight-related parenting; child feeding practices and...
OBJECTIVE
To examine associations between maternal concern regarding their children becoming overweight and two domains of weight-related parenting; child feeding practices and family meal characteristics.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
PARTICIPANTS
Low-income mothers (n = 264; 67% non-Hispanic white) and their children (51.5% male, aged 4.02-8.06 years).
VARIABLES MEASURED
Maternal concern and feeding practices, using the Child Feeding Questionnaire. Meal characteristics were assessed using video-recorded meals and meal information collected from mothers.
ANALYSIS
The authors used MANOVA and logistic regression to identify differences in maternal feeding practices and family meal characteristics across levels of maternal concern (none, some, and high).
RESULTS
Approximately half of mothers were not concerned about their child becoming overweight, 28.4% reported some concern, and 19.0% had high concern. Mothers reporting no concern described lower restrictive feeding compared with mothers who reported some or high concern (mean [SE], none = 3.1 [0.1]; some = 3.5 [0.1]; and high = 3.6 [0.1]; P = .004). No differences in other feeding practices or family meal characteristics were observed by level of concern.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
Concern regarding children becoming overweight was common. However, concern rarely translated into healthier feeding practices or family meal characteristics. Maternal concern alone may not be sufficient to motivate action to reduce children's risk of obesity.
Topics: Body Weight; Child; Child Behavior; Cross-Sectional Studies; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Meals; Mothers; Pediatric Obesity; Poverty; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 28457715
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2017.03.011 -
PloS One 2016Social factors have profound effects on health. Children are especially vulnerable to social influences, particularly in their early years. Adverse social exposures in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Social factors have profound effects on health. Children are especially vulnerable to social influences, particularly in their early years. Adverse social exposures in childhood can lead to chronic disorders later in life. Here, we sought to identify and evaluate the impact of social factors on child health in Ghana. As Ghana is unlikely to achieve the Millennium Development Goals' target of reducing child mortality by two-thirds between 1990 and 2015, we deemed it necessary to identify social determinants that might have contributed to the non-realisation of this goal.
METHODS
ScienceDirect, PubMed, MEDLINE via EBSCO and Google Scholar were searched for published articles reporting on the influence of social factors on child health in Ghana. After screening the 98 articles identified, 34 of them that met our inclusion criteria were selected for qualitative review.
RESULTS
Major social factors influencing child health in the country include maternal education, rural-urban disparities (place of residence), family income (wealth/poverty) and high dependency (multiparousity). These factors are associated with child mortality, nutritional status of children, completion of immunisation programmes, health-seeking behaviour and hygiene practices.
CONCLUSIONS
Several social factors influence child health outcomes in Ghana. Developing more effective responses to these social determinants would require sustainable efforts from all stakeholders including the Government, healthcare providers and families. We recommend the development of interventions that would support families through direct social support initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty and inequality, and indirect approaches targeted at eliminating the dependence of poor health outcomes on social factors. Importantly, the expansion of quality free education interventions to improve would-be-mother's health knowledge is emphasised.
Topics: Child; Child Health; Databases, Factual; Delivery of Health Care; Ghana; Health Policy; Humans; Mothers; Nutritional Status; Rural Population; Social Support
PubMed: 26745277
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145401