Maternal depression linked to poor parenting outcomes

Maternal depression linked to poor parenting outcomes | Image Credit: © Arsenii - © Arsenii - stock.adobe.com.

Depression significantly worsens mothers’ ability to provide quality care across multiple parenting domains, according to a recent study published in the July issue of Harvard Review of Psychiatry.¹

This provides a significant update to previously established data, which only included English-language reports published up to 2013. In the past decade, 97% of published studies reported a link between maternal depression and negative parenting practices.¹

"Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective psychological methods and interventions," said Tiago N. Munhoz, PhD, a psychologist at Federal University of Pelotas.¹

Extensive review of global studies

Articles published from November 2013 through 2023 were identified through searches of the PubMed, SciELO, BVS, LILACS, Web of Science, Embase, and PsychInfo databases. These included observational studies with participating mothers receiving a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis or undergoing postpartum depression screening during postpartum or child youth.¹

Investigators screened 11,305 studies, with 166 undergoing full review by 2 independent reviewers.² Gray literature was not included in the analysis.

Studies assessing parenting styles such as authoritarian, permissive, or neglectful were excluded from the analysis, leading to data being extracted in 29 articles.¹ These included 10 conducted in Europe or Central Asia, 6 in East Asia or the Pacific, 6 in Latin America or the Caribbean, 5 in North America, and 2 in the Middle East or Africa.

Impairment in mother-baby bonding

Of countries where the studies were conducted, 8 were middle-income countries and 1 was low-income. English was the language of publication for 27 studies and Portuguese for 2. In some studies, interactions between mothers and children were videotaped.¹

All 14 studies assessing mother-baby bonding found this bond was impaired among patients with maternal depression, with a correlation found between higher Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and a weakened bond measured using the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire.¹

Additionally, an increased bond was reported with their children among mothers without depressive symptoms when compared to those reporting symptoms throughout their lives. Low sensitivity, defined as recognizing and responding to a child’s needs, was also noted among mothers with MDD.¹

Other parenting behaviors negatively affected

Additional domains of parenting worsened among mothers with MDD included involvement, commitment, pleasure in interacting with the child, and smiling at, touching, or interacting with the baby. Mothers with MDD also had increased negative emotions and hostility, while displaying relaxed discipline and inconsistent punishment.¹

A lack of correlation between maternal depression and sensitivity or positive regard for the child was found in a single study conducted in the United States. This trial included 36 low-income mother-child dyads.¹

Strong associations were found in the remaining 28 studies.² The review was limited by a predominant representation of high-income countries, not including broader parenting constructs, and the lack of a meta-analysis.

Call for culturally diverse research and interventions

Investigators recommended further research to assess these associations in diverse sociocultural contexts.

“Existing literature suggests that depression-alleviating interventions based on cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness improve parent–child relationships and reduce negative parenting behaviors," wrote investigators.¹ “Such tactics benefit maternal well-being and the overall family dynamic."

References

1. Maternal depression substantially compromises parenting quality. Wolters Kluwer Health. July 11, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1090978.
2. Lages ED, da Silva MA, Soares FC, Munhoz TN. The impact of maternal depression on early parenting: A systematic review. Havard Review of Psychiatry. 2025;33(4):179-190. doi:10.1097/HRP.0000000000000434