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01-05-2020 | Mood Disorders | Original Contribution

Maternal depression in early childhood and child emotional and behavioral outcomes at school age: examining the roles of preschool childcare quality and current maternal depression symptomatology

Authors: Justine Charrois, Sylvana M. Côté, Stéphane Paquin, Jean R. Séguin, Christa Japel, Frank Vitaro, Julia Kim-Cohen, Richard E. Tremblay, Catherine M. Herba

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that the association between maternal depression and child outcome can be moderated by children's experience of childcare (e.g., daycare) during early childhood (0–5 years). We also know that maternal depression in the child's early years has long-term associations with child development. However, the moderating role of childcare quality on long-term associations between maternal depression and child outcome has not been thoroughly investigated. This article examined longitudinal associations between probable maternal depression (PMD) during early childhood (0–5 years) and childcare quality on children’s emotional and behavioral development at the age of 7–8 years (N = 207). Childcare quality was evaluated through observations within the settings. PMD during early childhood was assessed using complementary information from interviews conducted with the mother and current maternal symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Internalizing and externalizing behaviors were reported by the mother, father and the child at age 7–8 years. Results indicate that when mothers reported clinically relevant depression in early childhood, 7-8-year-old children demonstrate fewer behavioral problems if they attended a higher quality childcare setting. The moderating role of childcare quality remained after considering current maternal depression symptoms. Therefore, it is important to ensure high-quality childcare during early childhood to optimize child development.

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Title: Maternal depression in early childhood and child emotional and behavioral outcomes at school age: examining the roles of preschool childcare quality and current maternal depression symptomatology
Authors: Justine Charrois
Sylvana M. Côté
Stéphane Paquin
Jean R. Séguin
Christa Japel
Frank Vitaro
Julia Kim-Cohen
Richard E. Tremblay
Catherine M. Herba
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Mood Disorders
Affective Disorder
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-019-01385-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Maternal depression in early childhood and child emotional and behavioral outcomes at school age: examining the roles of preschool childcare quality and current maternal depression symptomatology

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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