Maternal depression and child development.

Maternal Depression and Child Development Maternal depression, whether defined in terms of selfreported symptoms or clinically diagnosed disorder, is an identified risk factor for children’s socioemotional and cognitive development (Beardslee, Bemporad, Keller, & Klerman, 1983; Cummings & Davies, 1994; Downey & Coyne, 1990; Field, 1992). Data from primary care clinics and community samples document a prevalence of depressive symptoms for 40% to 50% of poor mothers of young children (Lanzi, Pascoe, Keltner, & Ramey, 1999; Orr, James, Burns, & Thompson, 1989). Though common, depressive symptomatology often goes untreated and undiagnosed. Maternal depressive symptoms can adversely affect parents’ attitudes and competence. Depressed mothers may show high levels of irritability. They may use discipline styles ranging from excessively relaxed to controlling. Maternal depression is also more likely to have an effect on children’s development in the context of other life stressors, such as poverty (Rutter & Quinton, 1984). Children of mothers with depressive symptoms may exhibit significant physical, mental health, and behavioral problems (Cummings & Davies, 1994). Children of depressed mothers may have depressed behavioral styles during infancy, insecure attachment, irritability, and aggressive or oppositional behavior. The effects of maternal depression may be especially evident when children are very young because they are more dependent upon nurturance, stimulation, and support from their primary caregivers (Beardslee et al., 1983; Cummings & Davies, 1994). Therefore, it is important for early childhood professionals to recognize mothers with depressive symptoms and children at risk.