Transactions between Maternal and Child Depressive Symptoms Emerge Early in Life.

TitleTransactions between Maternal and Child Depressive Symptoms Emerge Early in Life.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2022
AuthorsRoubinov, DS, Epel, ES, Adler, NE, Laraia, BA, Bush, NR
JournalJ Clin Child Adolesc Psychol
Volume51
Issue1
Pagination61-72
Date Published2022 Jan-Feb
ISSN1537-4424
KeywordsChild, Preschool, Cross-Sectional Studies, Depression, Ethnic and Racial Minorities, Ethnicity, Female, Humans, Male, Minority Groups, Mothers
Abstract

Maternal depression is a robust risk factor for children's internalizing symptoms; however, the intergenerational transmission of mood disorders is likely more complex than unidirectional parent-directed effects. Theoretical models support transactional associations between maternal and child symptomatology over time but have not been well examined, especially in younger high-risk samples. The present investigation examined predictive transactional relations between maternal depression and children's internalizing in toddlerhood and early childhood using a cross-lagged panel model. Participants were 162 low-income, largely racial/ethnic minority mothers and their offspring (32% African American, 16% White, 52% Other/Multiethnic; 53% female) who were assessed when children were 18 months and 4 years old. There were significant cross-sectional relations between maternal depressive and child internalizing symptoms when children were 18 months but not 4 years of age. Cross-lagged associations were evident such that maternal depression symptoms at 18 months were positively associated with internalizing symptoms among children at 4 years, adjusting for prior maternal symptom levels and the cross-sectional correlations between maternal-child symptoms at 18 months. Within the same model, children's internalizing symptoms at 18 months were also positively associated with maternal depressive symptoms at 4 years, adjusting for prior child symptom levels and cross-sectional correlations. This study is among the first to demonstrate that transactional relations between maternal and child mood symptoms occur as early as toddlerhood/early childhood. Findings highlight the potential utility of inclusive, family-focused interventions that support both parents and children in the treatment of early emotional problems.

DOI10.1080/15374416.2019.1644649
Alternate JournalJ Clin Child Adolesc Psychol
PubMed ID31453717
PubMed Central IDPMC7044043
Grant ListK23 MH113709 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
R01 HL116511 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States
U01 HL097973 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States