Unpacking Longitudinal Associations between Maternal Depression and Child Behavior Problems: Does Early Maltreatment Matter?

• In Event: Poster Session 11
  In Poster Session: PS 11 Topic - Family Context & Processes

Abstract

Background

Maternal depression and child behavior problems are constructs frequently explored in relation to child maltreatment. Maternal depression is a demonstrated risk factor for the perpetuation of maltreatment (Conron et al., 2009; Dubowitz et al., 2011), while internalizing and externalizing behavior problems are well-established negative outcomes (Hunt et al., 2017; Mills et al., 2013). Research examining these constructs together have largely focused on the intergenerational transmission of trauma and show that maternal depressive symptoms are implicated in the relationship between maternal child maltreatment or ACES and their children’s later behavioral outcomes (Pereira et al., 2018; Cooke et al., 2019). Fewer studies have examined these constructs together following a child’s exposure to maltreatment. Better understanding of these relationships may elucidate areas for family intervention. The present study examined the longitudinal interplay between children’s behavior problems between the ages of 4 and 6 and maternal depressive symptoms and whether early maltreatment moderates these relationships. It was hypothesized that greater levels of maternal depression would lead to greater levels of child problem behaviors and that this relationship would be stronger following child maltreatment.

Procedure

Hypotheses were explored using The Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN; N = 1354). Confirmed child maltreatment between birth and age 4 was scored using the Modified Maltreatment Classification System. Internalizing and externalizing behavior problems at ages 4 and 6 were measured via the Child Behavior Checklist. Maternal depression at ages 4 and 6 was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Separate Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (Kenny et al., 2006) were run for internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in association with maternal depression (Figures 1 and 2).

Results

Higher levels of children’s behavior problems at age 4 were associated with higher levels of behavior problems at age 6 for both externalizing (B = 0.61, SE = 0.03, p < .001) and internalizing (B = 0.50, SE = 0.03, p < .001) behaviors. In the externalizing (B = 0.43, SE = 0.03, p < .001) and internalizing model (B = 0.41, SE = 0.03, p < .001), greater maternal depression at age 4 was related to greater maternal depression at age 6. There was significant effect of both children’s externalizing (B = 0.12, SE = 0.04, p = .001) and internalizing (B = 0.21, SE = 0.04, p < .001) behaviors at age 4 on maternal depression at age 6, but no significant relation between maternal depression at age 4 and either externalizing behaviors (B = 0.02, SE = 0.03, p = .508) or internalizing behaviors (B = 0.05, SE = 0.03, p = .151) at age 6. Child maltreatment prior to age 4 did not moderate any of the pathways in either the internalizing or externalizing models, however it was related to children’s externalizing behaviors at age 6 (B = 1.60, SE = 0.80, p = .046).

Conclusion

Child behavior problems can influence caregiver mental health in high-risk groups. Interventions to improve behavior problems will have benefits for both children and the family system.

Authors

• Anneke E. Olson, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
  Presenting Author

• Chad Shenk, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
  Non-Presenting Author