Child Behavior Problems and Maternal Symptoms of Depression: A Mediational Model

PROBLEM: The relationship between maternal depression and child behavior problems has been consistently demonstrated, but not the impact of child behavior problems on maternal depression. METHODS: Mothers of 3- to 6-year-old children (N=69) reported regarding their depression, parenting competence, attachment to the child, the child's impact on the family, and behavior problems. FINDINGS: Child behavior problems were positively associated with maternal depression, an association explained by mediating variables: impact of the child on the family, mother's parenting competence, and attachment to the child. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal depression should be considered when providing clinical services to children, given the potential for exacerbation of symptoms in the face of child behavior problems.