PRESCHOOL FOLLOW-UP OF INFANTS OF DYSPHORIC MOTHERS

Observed dysphoric (chronically but not clinically depressed) mothers with their infants from 3 months following birth tothe preschool stage (M = 3.9 years). The infants of dysphoric mothers had lower interacti on ratings and lower heart rate variability. At the preschool stage, t he dysphoric dyads also had lower interaction ratings, and the dysphor ic mothers rated their preschool children as being more vulnerable and having more internalizing (depressed) and externalizing problems (agg ressive and destructive). Only the internalizing and externalizing pro blems at preschool age were significantly related to infancy stage mea sures, including the Profile of Mood States (mothers' depressed mood), the infants' interaction ratings, and heart rate range during interac tions with a stranger and the infants' weight. These infancy variables may be early markers for later behavior problems.