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Effects of postnatal depression on children's adjustment to school

Teacher's reports

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Dana Sinclair  and
Lynne Murray
Dana Sinclair
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Reading, Reading
Lynne Murray*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, The University of Reading, Reading
*
Lynne Murray, Winnicott Research Unit, Department of Psychology, The University of Reading, 3 Earley Gate, Reading RG6 6AL
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Abstract

Background

Little is known of the behavioural adjustment of children of postnatally depressed mothers. Previous studies have relied on maternal reports, and have produced inconsistent findings.

Method

In a prospective, longitudinal study of the five-year-old children of a community sample of postnatally depressed and well women, evidence was collected concerning the children's adjustment in the context of school, teachers being asked to complete questionnaires after the children had finished their first term.

Results

Family social class and the child's gender had the most pervasive influences on adjustment. However, both postnatal and recent maternal depression were associated with significantly raised levels of child disturbance, particularly among boys and those from lower social class families.

Conclusions

The findings indicate a persistent effect of postnatal depression on child adjustment. They highlight the need for resources devoted to supporting mothers of young children and particularly routine screening and treatment for postnatal mood disorder.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 172 , Issue 1 , January 1998 , pp. 58 - 63
Copyright
Copyright © 1998 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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