Positive Maternal Mental Health, Parenting and Child Development

While maternal mental health is an important influence on child development, the existing literature focuses primarily on negative aspects of maternal mental health, particularly symptoms of depression, anxiety, or states of distress. We provide a review of the evidence on the potential importance of positive mental health for both mother and child. The evidence suggests that positive mental health is a distinct construct that associates with improved birth outcomes and potentially with specific forms of parenting that promote both academic achievement and socio-emotional function.
Source: Biological Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research