Title | Transactions between Maternal and Child Depressive Symptoms Emerge Early in Life. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2022 |
Authors | Roubinov, DS, Epel, ES, Adler, NE, Laraia, BA, Bush, NR |
Journal | J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol |
Volume | 51 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 61-72 |
Date Published | 2022 Jan-Feb |
ISSN | 1537-4424 |
Keywords | Child, 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. |
DOI | 10.1080/15374416.2019.1644649 |
Alternate Journal | J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol |
PubMed ID | 31453717 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC7044043 |
Grant List | K23 MH113709 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States R01 HL116511 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States U01 HL097973 / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States |