Childcare providers’ mental health: a systematic review of its prevalence, determinants and relationship to care quality

Childcare providers’ mental health is important for their well-being and its potential impact on turnover and care quality. A systematic review of research (1980–2012) was conducted to investigate the quality and findings of studies on the mental health of centre- and home-based childcare providers. Eighteen articles were identified that examined depression, stress, negative moods or positive mental health. There were risks of bias within most studies (15/18). Qualitative research indicated high provider stress, yet mean scores of perceived stress and depression were low and mental well-being was high. Poor mental health was linked with poor working conditions. Its relationship with care quality was inconclusive; however, higher quality care was consistently related to higher educator mental well-being. This systematic review revealed a limited evidence base largely focused on mental health problems and suggests that sector engagement is essential to advance the mental health of childcare providers.