Abstract
This study compared behavior problems of children of mothers with elevated depressive symptoms and children of mothers with
non-elevated depressive symptoms, using the same measure for mothers and teachers. Participants included 914 mother–teacher
dyads of low-income children (M age of child = 62.9 months, SD = 4.0) who participated in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. Mothers completed a shortened version of
CES-D to evaluate their own depressive symptoms. Teachers and mothers completed the Family and Child Experiences Survey Interviews
(FACES) to assess children’s behavior problems. The results showed that children of mothers with elevated depressive symptoms-higher
than the cut-off score for possible depression- showed higher aggressive and hyperactive behaviors than did children of mothers
with non-elevated depressive symptoms according to the mothers’ rating; however, teachers rated the children no differently.
Both mothers and teachers reported higher internalizing behaviors in children of mothers with elevated depressive symptoms
than did those of mothers with non-elevated depressive symptoms. Maternal depressive symptoms moderated the relations between
informants (mothers and teachers) and externalizing behaviours (aggressive and hyperactive) of children. These findings underscore
the need for research in different settings such as at home and at school, to measure children’s behavior problems in order
to gain a more comprehensive perspective on child functioning. Results suggest an emphasis on intervention or prevention programs
targeting internalizing behavior problems, specifically for children of depressed mothers in low-income families.
non-elevated depressive symptoms, using the same measure for mothers and teachers. Participants included 914 mother–teacher
dyads of low-income children (M age of child = 62.9 months, SD = 4.0) who participated in the Early Head Start Research and Evaluation Project. Mothers completed a shortened version of
CES-D to evaluate their own depressive symptoms. Teachers and mothers completed the Family and Child Experiences Survey Interviews
(FACES) to assess children’s behavior problems. The results showed that children of mothers with elevated depressive symptoms-higher
than the cut-off score for possible depression- showed higher aggressive and hyperactive behaviors than did children of mothers
with non-elevated depressive symptoms according to the mothers’ rating; however, teachers rated the children no differently.
Both mothers and teachers reported higher internalizing behaviors in children of mothers with elevated depressive symptoms
than did those of mothers with non-elevated depressive symptoms. Maternal depressive symptoms moderated the relations between
informants (mothers and teachers) and externalizing behaviours (aggressive and hyperactive) of children. These findings underscore
the need for research in different settings such as at home and at school, to measure children’s behavior problems in order
to gain a more comprehensive perspective on child functioning. Results suggest an emphasis on intervention or prevention programs
targeting internalizing behavior problems, specifically for children of depressed mothers in low-income families.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10826-012-9630-0
- Authors
- Eunju Jung, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, U-2058, Storrs, CT 06269-2058, USA
- Helen H. Raikes, Child, Youth and Family Studies, University of Nebraska, 258 Mabel Lee Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588-0236, USA
- Rachel Chazan-Cohen, Psychology, George Mason University, David King Hall, Room 2086, 4400 University Drive, MSN 3F5, Fairfax, VA 22030-4422, USA
- Journal Journal of Child and Family Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-2843
- Print ISSN 1062-1024