A prospective examination of the contribution of postnatal maternal depression and personality to aggressive behaviour in young children

摘要: AbstractThe University of Manchester, Fay Huntley, Doctor Philosophy (PhD)A Prospective Examination the Contribution Postnatal Maternal Depression and Personality to Aggressive Behaviour in Young ChildrenMay 2013Early-onset aggression children has been linked later difficulties childhood adulthood. Understanding antecedents mechanisms that may lead this early-onset is still somewhat limited and, study, roles mothers? depression personality disorder symptoms (personality dysfunction) were investigated. Three questions addressed: Does postnatal maternal predict children?s independently during pregnancy, current (present at time reporting), potential confounders? dysfunction predicted aggression? accounted for associations between child It was also examined whether relationship establishment with an antisocial partner would mediate aggression. Methods As part a wider consecutive, community-based sample first-time mothers followed longitudinally from pregnancy age 2.5 years (30 months). Mothers completed Edinburgh Scale 32 weeks gestation, 5, 8, 28 58 postnatally, when 30 months. Longitudinal Latent Class Analysis used model mother?s symptoms. assessed using semi-structured interviews pregnancy. Child Checklist (CBCL) interview designed assess physical A total 244 both outcomes. Results trajectory characterised by elevated significantly associated separately. However, did not one confounders, psychological abuse within relationships. Mothers? borderline CBCL after accounting confounding variables, contributing jointly The remain psychosocial confounders included models. No evidence found mediation via presence partner, but Conclusions findings are first demonstrate importance development young children, particularly predicting broad construct measured CBCL. role inconclusive, whilst significant predictor. evidenced prediction depression. Further, mother-reported levels abuse, all emerged as have implications practitioners working pregnant postpartum women indicating number factors aggression, which could be readily targeted intervention. In particular, suggest screening beneficial.