What’s New in Psychology
Maternal Depression Affects Parenting Behaviors
Jim Windell
It isn’t that depressed mothers are sad and may display little emotion around their children. A new study suggests maternal depression may affect various parenting behaviors.
Mothers experiencing depression have considerable challenges across several parenting domains. So says a global systematic review published in a recent issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
Maternal depression is defined as major depressive disorder (MDD) that occurs during pregnancy or emerges within 4 to 30 weeks after birth.
Tiago N. Munhoz, PhD, a psychologist at Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Brazil, and colleagues found that 97% of observational studies published in the past decade demonstrated an association between maternal depression and negative parenting practices. "Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective psychological methods and interventions," they emphasize in their report.
Until now, the most recent systematic review to explore the association between maternal depression and parenting only included data collected up to 2013 and was limited to English-language reports. To find more recent evidence, Dr. Munhoz’s team searched the Medline/PubMed, SciELO, BVS, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases for articles published from November 2013 through 2023. They included observational studies in which mothers were diagnosed with MDD or were screened for depressive symptoms postpartum or in their child's youth or adolescence.
The researchers looked for studies on parenting practices – specific behaviors directed toward children – and excluded those pertaining to parenting styles (e.g., authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful). They selected 29 articles for data extraction: 27 published in English and two in Portuguese. Of these, 10 studies were conducted in Europe/Central Asia, six in East Asia/the Pacific, six in Latin America/the Caribbean, five in North America, and two in the Middle East/Africa. Eight studies were conducted in middle-income countries and one in a low-income country. Some studies involved videotaping interactions between mothers and children.
Fourteen studies investigated mother-baby bonding, and all found that maternal depression impaired this bond. In studies that used both the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, higher depression scale scores indicated more damage to the bond. Four studies showed that women who did not manifest depressive symptoms bonded more closely with their babies than women who were depressed or experienced depressive symptoms throughout their lives.
Maternal depression was also associated with:
- Low sensitivity (recognizing and responding to a child's needs)
- Reduced involvement (participating in daily interactions and activities)
- Diminished commitment (fulfilling childcare responsibilities)
- Less smiling at, touching, or interacting with the baby
- Decreased pleasure in interacting with the child
- Heightened negative emotions
- Increased hostility
- Inconsistent punishment
- Relaxed discipline
One study found no significant associations between maternal depression (during pregnancy and postpartum) and sensitivity or positive regard for the child. That study was conducted in the U.S. and involved 36 low-income mother-child dyads.
“[E]xisting literature suggests that depression-alleviating interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness improve parent–child relationships and reduce negative parenting behaviors,” the authors remind their colleagues. “Such tactics benefit maternal well-being and the overall family dynamic.”
The review points out that depression can lower a mother's energy, motivation, and ability to engage emotionally with her child. This often translates into less meaningful interaction. Simple parenting practices-such as playing, reading, or maintaining eye contact-may be affected. In addition, symptoms like sadness, hopelessness, and fatigue can make it difficult for mothers to remain consistently involved in their child's daily life. Without timely intervention, these patterns may persist and create lasting challenges in the mother-child relationship.
This review reinforces the idea that addressing maternal mental health is vital for children's healthy development. Early screening for depression during pregnancy and postpartum periods, along with accessible mental health support, can help mothers regain emotional stability.
Simple interventions, such as counseling, peer support groups, and even short-term therapy programs, can strengthen a mother's ability to connect with her child. Community resources and healthcare professionals play an important role in identifying mothers at risk and providing timely help.
The research suggests that maternal depression is not just an individual struggle but a family and societal issue. By improving support for mothers, we can foster stronger parent-child bonds and healthier developmental outcomes for the next generation.
The article is a reminder that caring for mothers' mental health directly impacts children's emotional and cognitive well-being. When a mother heals, the whole family thrives. Take the first step toward mental wellness and build a stronger, more connected home.
To read the original article, find it at:
Lages, E.M., da Silva, M.A.M, Soares, F.C. & Munhoz, T.M. (2025). The impact of maternal depression on early parenting: A systematic review. Harvard Review of Psychiatry. 33(4):179-190.
