Mothers' mental illness and child behavior problems: Cause-effect association or observation bias?

Objective: A number, of studies have consistently found that a mother's men tal health (particularly her level of depression) is a strong predictor of mental health problems experienced by her child(ren). However, the validity of this finding is in doubt because the majority of these studies have rel ied on maternal reports as indicators of children's behavior. Method: This prospective, longitudinal study examines data an the mental health of the m other from prior to the birth of her child to when the child reaches 14 yea rs of age. Child behavior is measured at 14 years of age using reports from mother and child. Mother and child responses are compared to provide an in dication of the possible magnitude of maternal observation bias in the repo rting of child behavior problems. Results: Anxious and/or depressed mothers tend to report more cases of child behavior problems than do their mentall y healthy counterparts or children themselves. Differences between mothers and youths In reporting behavior problems appear to be related to the mothe rs' mental health. Conclusions: Current maternal mental health impairment a ppears to have a substantial effect on the reporting of child behavior prob lems by the mother, thereby raising questions about the validity of reports of child behavior by persons who are currently emotionally distressed.