Exploring the Correlation between Maternal Depression and Behavioral Issues in Children

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between maternal 
depression and the probability of behavioral problems and depression in children. A  new instrument, called the Childhood Depression Scale, was created to evaluate mother depression. It consists of forty-three items that are divided into emotional, behavioral, motivational, cognitive, and physical subscales. The psychological well-being of the offspring was further examined using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), which has five subscales with five items each. The dependability of the Childhood Depression Scale, as well as its subscales, was proven through meticulous analysis. Furthermore, the study established construct validity, more specifically convergent validity, by comparing the Childhood Depression Scale with the Child Problem Checklist (CPCL). This research provides vital insights into the intricate correlation between maternal depression and its possible influence on children's mental health, offering a complete methodological approach and dependable evaluation tools for future investigations in this critical field of study