Longitudinal pathways between maternal depression, parenting behaviors, and early childhood development: A mediation analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Maternal depression is a global public health concern with far-reaching impacts on child development, yet our understanding of mechanisms remains incomplete. This study examined whether parenting mediates the association between maternal depression and child outcomes. Participants included 841 rural Pakistani mother–child dyads (50% female). Maternal depression was measured at 12 months postpartum, parenting behaviors (warmth, stimulation, and harsh parenting) were measured at 24 months, and child outcomes (mental health, socioemotional development, and cognitive skills) were measured at 36 months. Maternal depression predicted increased harsh parenting, child mental health difficulties, and child socioemotional concerns; however, there was little evidence for parenting as a mediator between maternal depression and child outcomes. Sex-stratified results are discussed, and findings are situated in context.
Source: UNC Libraries
DOI: 10.17615/r1hp-6688
Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7157638210