A Longitudinal Study of Maternal Depression and Child Behaviour Problems

Using a random sample of first-time mothers from an inner London borough, the relationship was examined between maternal depression and child behaviour problems at various stages after the birth of the child. Child problems at 14 months were unrelated to present or past maternal depression. Child problems at 27 and 42 months were related in an interactive way with present and past depression. There was little indication of behaviour problems preceding maternal depression. An examination of possible confounding factors in these relationships was also attempted.