Mother's depression and child abuse

In families with a history of child abuse, a mother's depression may increase the risk that she will act aggressively towards her child.

Researchers used data from a national survey of 5,500 US families who had been involved in child abuse investigations. Mothers completed a standard measure of depression symptoms at the outset, at 18 months and three years later. They were also asked about any instances in, which their child was abused over the past year - including physical abuse, neglect and psychological aggression.

The researchers found that depressed mothers reported higher incidents of threats, name-calling and other forms of psychological aggression against their children - by an average of two extra incidents per year. Roughly one-quarter of the mothers were deemed to have major depression at each of the three surveys. One-third of the women overall either had a remission or onset of depression during the study period.

In other findings, mothers who reported an increase in abuse from a partner were also more likely to report an increase in physical abuse and neglect of their children. In contrast, mothers who moved in with a non-abusive partner during the study generally reported a decrease in psychologically aggressive behaviour toward their children. It's possible that having a supportive partner lessened some mothers' strain and, in turn, lowered the likelihood of child abuse.

The findings do not prove that mothers' depression, per se, led to the children's abuse. However, the study does support general recommendations that adults be screened by their doctors for both depression and spousal or partner abuse - which is also linked to increased odds of child abuse.