Abstract
Maternal exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with offspring
behavioral problems; however, little work has examined these associations
longitudinally across child development. This study examined the effects of
maternal history of CM on trajectories of child internalizing and externalizing
behavior measured from toddlerhood to preschool, and the role of maternal
depressive symptoms and parenting behavior as potential mediators. Participants
included 115 mother–child dyads recruited from a hospital maternity ward.
Maternal CM was measured at 3-months postpartum. At 18, 36, and 60 months,
maternal depressive symptoms and child behavior were assessed via maternal
report and parenting behavior was assessed through direct observation. Findings
indicated that children of mothers exposed to CM demonstrated poorer
trajectories of problem behavior across early childhood. Maternal depressive
symptoms mediated the relation between CM and children’s internalizing problems.
Findings highlight the importance of screening for maternal depressive symptoms
and early intervention for maternal and child mental health.