De relatie tussen een depressieve stemming bij moeders en gedragsproblemen bij peuters: de mediërende rol van opvoedingsgedrag en modererende rol van geslacht

Abstract

Introduction. Toddlers who grow up with a depressed mother have an increased risk of developing behavior problems. Still is unclear how this risk unfolds and which specific behaviour problems can be the result. Furthermore, depressed mothers seem to be less able to fulfill the parenting needs of their child. Current study examines whether there is a relationship between the parenting behaviour of depressed mothers and behavioural problems with toddles. In addition it was tested whether gender moderated this effect. Method. In this quantitative descriptive research 94 mothers participated with a toddler. Statistical analyses were performed to study the relationship between the parenting behavior of depressed mothers and non-depressed mothers and behavior problems in toddlers. Also are studied differences between boys and girls. Results. Statistical analyses showed that toddlers of depressed mothers are more stubborn, have more temper tantrums and are more disobedient than toddlers of a non-depressed mother. In addition, it appears that depressed mothers respond less sensitive, give less positive attention and express less parental warmth to their toddler than non-depressed mothers. Finally, it appears that the relationship is not moderated by gender. Discussion. This study shows that toddlers with a depressed mother have more behavior problems than toddlers with a non-depressed mother. Besides, depressed mothers have more difficulty being sensitive, positive and showing warmth, therefor their toddlers being at increased risk for behavior problems. Finally, there is no difference in this relationship between boys and girls. Further research is needed to confirm the outcomes of this study.