The Effect of Parent Personality on Child Depression

Grace Meeks, Governors State University

Abstract

Maternal internalizing behaviors such as lack of warmth, control, and overprotection increase the likelihood of child depression or anxiety (Mackin et al., 2022). The relationship between mother and child is bidirectional. In healthy relationships, this results in positive emotions, thought processes, and other relationships. In negative relationships, internalizing, externalizing, and genetic predisposition can impact the likelihood of depression (Sfarlea et al., 2019). Internalizing behavior specifically is more likely than other behaviors to be intergenerationally transmitted (Shultz et al., 2021). This may be explained by the environment or a genetic predisposition. Maternal depression can often create an isolating environment for the child. Children with depressed mothers often have difficulties socializing, learning, and exhibit rebellious behavior (Katz et al., 2013). Results show that maternal internalizing behavior is predictive of child internalizing and externalizing behavior whereas maternal externalizing behavior only predicts child externalizing behavior (Schultz et al., 2021).

 
Apr 17th, 11:45 AM Apr 17th, 1:15 PM

The Effect of Parent Personality on Child Depression

University Library

Maternal internalizing behaviors such as lack of warmth, control, and overprotection increase the likelihood of child depression or anxiety (Mackin et al., 2022). The relationship between mother and child is bidirectional. In healthy relationships, this results in positive emotions, thought processes, and other relationships. In negative relationships, internalizing, externalizing, and genetic predisposition can impact the likelihood of depression (Sfarlea et al., 2019). Internalizing behavior specifically is more likely than other behaviors to be intergenerationally transmitted (Shultz et al., 2021). This may be explained by the environment or a genetic predisposition. Maternal depression can often create an isolating environment for the child. Children with depressed mothers often have difficulties socializing, learning, and exhibit rebellious behavior (Katz et al., 2013). Results show that maternal internalizing behavior is predictive of child internalizing and externalizing behavior whereas maternal externalizing behavior only predicts child externalizing behavior (Schultz et al., 2021).