The Impact of Maternal Depression on Early Parenting: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Maternal depression is an established risk factor for parenting disruptions with potential consequences for child development. Although previous studies have examined the effects of maternal depression on parenting behaviors, the most recent systematic reviews and meta-analyses only include data up to 2013. Given evolving perspectives and methodologies, updated insights are necessary. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the association between maternal depression and parenting over the past decade. Method: Systematic searches were conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, SciELO, BVS, LILACS, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycInfo with no language restrictions. The search focused on studies published between 2013 and 2023. Inclusion criteria were comprised of observational studies assessing parenting among mothers diagnosed with depression during their child’s youth or adolescence. Of the 11,305 studies screened, 166 were fully reviewed by two independent reviewers, resulting in 29 eligible studies. No gray literature was included. Results: Among the 29 studies, 28 reported an association between maternal depression and parenting. Most were conducted in high-income countries, focused on children under 36 months, and used cross-sectional designs. Two-thirds were published after 2017. This review’s limitations include studies predominantly from high-income settings, exclusive assessment of parenting practices without broader parenting constructs, and the absence of meta-analysis. Conclusion: Findings consistently highlight the association between maternal depression and negative parenting practices, influencing sensitivity, affection, attachment, involvement, commitment, responsiveness, and stimulation. Mothers experiencing depression face challenges across these domains, which may affect child development. Future research should explore these associations in diverse sociocultural contexts and include longitudinal studies to better understand long-term effects.