The relation of maternal sensitivity to children's internalizing and externalizing problems within the context of maternal depressive symptoms

Behav Modif. 2009 Sep;33(5):559-82. doi: 10.1177/0145445509342581. Epub 2009 Aug 4.

Abstract

Maternal depression has been linked to deficits in parenting that contribute to youth's development of externalizing and/or internalizing problems. Maternal sensitivity has been implicated within the infant literature as a foundational aspect of parenting contributing to a child's adjustment. This study examines the main and moderating effects of a construct labeled maternal sensitivity, within the context of depressive symptoms, on youth externalizing and internalizing problems in a sample of 65 mothers with a history of depression and their 84 children ages 9-15 years. Sensitivity was related to child externalizing problems. Although two-way interactions were not significant, exploratory moderation analyses indicated a significant three-way interaction among maternal depressive symptoms, maternal sensitivity, and youth gender for internalizing problems: among girls only, high depressive symptoms, low sensitivity, and the combination of these two variables were each associated with high levels of internalizing problems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Male
  • Maternal Behavior
  • Mother-Child Relations*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Patient Selection
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Sex Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires