Latina Maternal Anxiety and Early Child Development: a Scoping Review

Latina mothers' mental health struggles, particularly anxiety, can significantly impact their children's development. In Latino culture, stigma and shame surrounding mental health discussions often prevent individuals from seeking help, which can exacerbate effects. This scoping review aims to examine currently available research on the impact of maternal anxiety on early child development in Latina populations across North America, South America, and the Caribbean. A literature search was performed to find relevant peer-reviewed and grey literature through five electronic databases. Out of 469 results, 33 relevant studies were identified for full-text screening. Data will be extracted to explore the association between maternal anxiety and various aspects of early child development, including language, socioemotional, fine and gross motor, and cognitive development. We expect to find the extent of maternal anxiety’s impact on child development and the unique barriers faced by this population, such as limited access to mental health services, language barriers, and stigma. Identifying gaps in the literature could assist in developing targeted interventions tailored to the unique needs of Latina mothers, ultimately promoting both maternal well-being and optimal child development.