Severity of maternal depression and family interactions: associations with child behavioural problems

Objective Maternal depression is widely recognised as a risk factor for child behavioural problems and is associated with more negative and fewer positive family interactions. However, limited research has simultaneously examined the associations between family interactions and maternal depression – at both clinical and subclinical levels – and child behavioural problems. This study aimed to investigate how current maternal depression, categorized by clinical and subclinical severity, and family interactions, as reported by both mothers and children, are associated with behavioural problems in school-age children.Method This cross-sectional study analysed a community sample of 90 mother–child dyads, including boys and girls aged 8 to 10 years. Maternal depression, child behavioural problems, and family interactions were assessed using instruments validated for the Brazilian population.Results Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that only the Clinical Depression Group showed significantly higher levels of child behavioural problems than the Comparison Group. When assessed by mothers, higher levels of positive family interactions were associated with lower levels of behavioural problems. In contrast, when assessed by children, higher levels of negative family interactions were associated with higher levels of behavioural problems. Sociodemographic variables were not significantly associated with the outcome.Conclusion The findings highlight the association between clinically significant maternal depressive symptoms and child behavioural problems. They also indicate that different aspects of family interactions are associated with child behavioural problems depending on the informant. These results reinforce the importance of considering multiple informants and suggest the relevance of preventive and guidance strategies aimed at promoting positive family interactions.