Maternal Depression and Child Psychopathology: A Meta-Analytic Review

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Maternal Depression and Child Psychopathology: A Meta-Analytic Review
Language: English
Authors: Goodman, Sherryl H., Rouse, Matthew H., Connell, Arin M.
Source: Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review. Mar 2011 14(1):1-27.
Availability: Springer. 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-348-4505; e-mail: service-ny@springer.com; Web site: http://www.springerlink.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 27
Publication Date: 2011
Document Type: Information Analyses
Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Mothers, Models, Psychopathology, Organizations (Groups), Depression (Psychology), Meta Analysis, Correlation, Role, At Risk Persons, Prevention, Intervention, Affective Behavior, Children
DOI: 10.1007/s10567-010-0080-1
ISSN: 1096-4037
Abstract: Although the association between maternal depression and adverse child outcomes is well established, the strength of the association, the breadth or specificity of the outcomes, and the role of moderators are not known. This information is essential to inform not only models of risk but also the design of preventive interventions by helping to identify subgroups at greater risk than others and to elucidate potential mechanisms as targets of interventions. A meta-analysis of 193 studies was conducted to examine the strength of the association between mothers' depression and children's behavioral problems or emotional functioning. Maternal depression was significantly related to higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and general psychopathology and negative affect/behavior and to lower levels of positive affect/behavior, with all associations small in magnitude. These associations were significantly moderated by theoretically and methodologically relevant variables, with patterns of moderation found to vary somewhat with each child outcome. Results are interpreted in terms of implications for theoretical models that move beyond main effects models in order to more accurately identify which children of depressed mothers are more or less at risk for specific outcomes.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 282
Entry Date: 2011
Accession Number: EJ917094
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Although the association between maternal depression and adverse child outcomes is well established, the strength of the association, the breadth or specificity of the outcomes, and the role of moderators are not known. This information is essential to inform not only models of risk but also the design of preventive interventions by helping to identify subgroups at greater risk than others and to elucidate potential mechanisms as targets of interventions. A meta-analysis of 193 studies was conducted to examine the strength of the association between mothers' depression and children's behavioral problems or emotional functioning. Maternal depression was significantly related to higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and general psychopathology and negative affect/behavior and to lower levels of positive affect/behavior, with all associations small in magnitude. These associations were significantly moderated by theoretically and methodologically relevant variables, with patterns of moderation found to vary somewhat with each child outcome. Results are interpreted in terms of implications for theoretical models that move beyond main effects models in order to more accurately identify which children of depressed mothers are more or less at risk for specific outcomes.
ISSN:1096-4037
DOI:10.1007/s10567-010-0080-1