Maternal depression and its effects on parent-child relationship development

Maternal Depression and Parent-Child Relationship:

Maternal depression is a major risk factor with significant effects on the development and well-being of young children. The effect of maternal depression and other mental health issues on young children is based on its impact on parent-child relationship. Generally, these mental health issues disrupt the parent-child bond, which results in negative effects on the emotional and social development of child and/or family. In the past few years, maternal depression has become more recognized as a major public health issue across the globe. This is primarily because of its effects on every aspect of a person's life such as family and work to an extent it can lead to suicide. As a result, maternal depression has been the subject of extensive researches that seek to identify its risk factors and methods of reducing it.

Review of Research Articles:

While it's difficult to estimate the number of parents suffering from maternal depression and other mental health issues, it's evident that there is a huge percentage of people who experience these issues. A research article by Dr. Leone Huntsman examines the issue of parents with maternal depression and mental health issues. The author seeks to determine the impact of these mental health issues on children and the effectiveness of interventions measures to help children and their families.

Huntsman (2008) states identifying the size of the population with these mental health issues is difficult because most of them have not been diagnosed and are not receiving any treatment (p.4). In addition, he examines the short-term and long-term effects of maternal depression and mental health issues on children. In this case, he states that the effects of these mental health issues include problems in infancy, social and behavioral problems during childhood, and probable suicidal and criminal behavior during adolescence. Some of the risk factors or pathways with which parents with maternal depression or mental health issues may impact a child's development include family environment, genetic transmission, poor parenting quality, maternal stress, poor interpersonal functioning, poor parenting, and low self-esteem.

In their article of how to lessen maternal depression and its effects, Knitzer, Theberge & Johnson (2008) begin by stating the substantial risk of these health issues on children's well-being and preparedness for school. These authors argue that maternal depression and other mental health issues can impair crucial early relationships and hinder parental safety and health management. They provide several recommendations to lessen these issues and their impacts such as screening and conducting follow-up on women during pediatric practices, promoting awareness regarding the effects of these issues, and enhancing parenting programs.

Ammerman et. al. (2010) provides a systematic review on the maternal depression and other mental health issues in home visitation (p.191). While recognizing the prevalence of maternal depression in new mothers, the authors state that numerous studies have indicated the significant negative impacts on maternal life course, parenting, and child development. Maternal depression interrupts every aspect of the role of parenting and contributes to reduced quality and quantity of care. The intervention measures proposed by these authors to lessen maternal depression and its effects include the development of consultative and supportive resources for families and increasingly treatment intensity. Notably, the authors state that these interventions and treatment measures are appropriate in home visitation.

Wade, Giallo & Cooklin (2012) examine the relationship and vulnerability of maternal depression and fatigue to early practices in parenting because of the considerable health concerns posed by these mental health issues on mothers in the postnatal period (p. 277). Based on the findings of their study, Wade, Giallo & Cooklin (2012), state that depression has negative effects on parenting practices and behaviors as compared to maternal fatigue (p.288). Moreover, they argue that these negative effects can be lessened through the use of interventions focusing on enhancing mood and supporting the best possible strategies of parenting. On the contrary, mothers experiencing maternal fatigue may benefit from initiatives that are geared towards management and self-care of the symptoms of these health conditions.

In an article on enhancing maternal and infant mental health through focusing on maternal depression, Onunaku (2005) argues that some of risk factors for mothers include previous and/or family history of depression, poor environment, hormonal changes in pregnancy, genetics, and lack of community support or networks. Some of the effects of maternal depression and other mental health issues on children's development include poor self-control, poor inter-personal relations, difficulties in school, and aggression. As a result, children tend to withdraw from day-to-day activities and avoid interacting with caregivers.

Personal Reaction and Thoughts:

These research articles provide insights regarding the risk factors, effects, and probable interventions for maternal depression and other mental health issues. The articles provide a balanced approach towards understanding mental health issues that mothers experience during pre-natal and postnatal periods. These studies have been based on researches carried out by the authors or the findings of previous studies regarding the subject. Therefore, they provide a good foundation for further research on the effect of maternal depression of children's development.