“Maternal Depression Can Undermine the Development of Young Children”
The report explores recent research on the far-reaching harmful effects of chronic and severe maternal depression on families and children. It examines data on the issue, program evaluation, common misconceptions and implications for policy and programs.
According to the authors, maternal depression is particularly worrisome because of its prevalence. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of mothers will be depressed at some time during their lives. But despite the frequency of depression among new mothers, large numbers of affected individuals may not be identified as having a treatable condition, and only 15 percent obtain professional care.
Children raised by chronically depressed mothers tend to perform lower on cognitive, emotional and behavioral assessments than children of non-depressed caregivers, and they are at risk for later mental health problems, social adjustment difficulties and difficulties in school. This means that the continual failure to address the consequences of maternal depression, the authors argue, undermines the future prosperity and well-being of society as a whole.
The report is the first joint Working Paper by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child at Harvard University and the National Forum on Early Childhood Program Evaluation.
