EARLY MATERNAL DEPRESSION AND CHILDRENS ADJUSTMENT TO SCHOOL

Teachers rated the problem behaviors, peer relations, and academic performance of twenty-nine 5- to 8-year-old children of either previously depressed or well mothers. The teachers reported more adjustment and behavior problems, especially antisocial, aggressive behaviors, and poorer academic performance for children whose mothers were depressed when their children were 3 months to 3 years old. These mothers also reported that their children had more adjustment and behavior problems at school. There was a nonsignificant trend for children of these mothers to have more severe behavior problems. The many adjustment difficulties of children who experienced early maternal depression argue for early intervention with this high-risk group.