Born into adversity; The intergenerational transmission of psychological morbidity in second generation Irish children living in Britain

Abstract

Despite relative improvements in socioeconomic circumstances, Irish people living in Britain experience elevated mortality and morbidity. This has persisted into the second generation. The reasons for this are unknown. We conducted prospective analysis to assess how far migration and settlementrelated experiences might account for excess psychological morbidity in childhood. Data from two British birth cohorts which surveyed 17,000 babies born in 1958 and in 1970 were used. Second-generation Irish children formed 6% of each cohort. Odds ratios were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Relative to non-Irish children, second generation Irish children grew up in circumstances of marked material hardship. Irish-born mothers were more likely to be depressed when their child was 5 (OR: 1.47 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.86; p = 0.002)), or 10 (OR: 1.44(95% CI: 1.13, 1.84; p = 0.004)), and Irish-born parents reported more chronic health problems than non-Irish parents (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08- 1.54; p = 0.005). Second generation Irish children had greater emotional and behavioral problems at age 7, 11 and 16, which diminished after accounting for material hardship and mother's mental health. We conclude that second generation Irish children growing up in 1960s and 1970s Britain experienced significant emotional and behavioral morbidity but the excess was accounted for through adverse material circumstances and mother's mental health. As childhood adversity and psychological health are implicated in the etiology of adult morbidity and mortality, the findings suggest life-course mechanisms for the intergenerational 'transmission' of health inequalities.