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Antecedents of problem behaviors in children of depressed mothers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

Carolyn Zahn-Waxler ,
Ronald J. Iannotti ,
E. Mark Cummings  and
Susan Denham
Carolyn Zahn-Waxler*
Affiliation:
National Institute of Mental Health
Ronald J. Iannotti
Affiliation:
Georgetown University
E. Mark Cummings
Affiliation:
West Virginia University
Susan Denham
Affiliation:
George Mason University
*
Address reprint requests to: Carolyn Zahn-Waxler, Laboratory of Developmental Psychology, 15-K, NIMH, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.
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Abstract

Aggression observed in 2-year-old children of well and depressed mothers was examined in relation to problem behaviors at ages 5–6. Both normative (e.g., object struggles, rough play) and maladaptive (e.g., dysregulated, out-of-control behavior) forms of toddler aggression were identified. Dysregulated aggression predicted (a) externalizing problems reported by mothers when children were 5 years old, and (b) children's reports of difficulties during a structured psychiatric interview at age 6. Problems were more frequent and continuity patterns more evident in children of depressed, than well, mothers. Early maladaptive aggression was a better predictor of later externalizing, than internalizing problems. Childrearing practices of mothers of toddlers also appeared to contribute to later outcomes: negative influences were evident but protective patterns were present as well. Depressed mothers who used proactive childrearing approaches (e.g., anticipating the child's point of view; exerting modulated, respectful control; providing structure and organization during play environment) had children who showed fewer externalizing problems 3 years later.

Type
Research Article
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 2 , Issue 3 , July 1990 , pp. 271 - 291
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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