Childhood abuse, postpartum depression and parenting difficulties: a literature review of associations

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to obtain an understanding of the links between maternal postpartum depression, poor parenting and childhood abuse, and the subsequent development of adult psychopathology in children from these families.

Method: A literature review was undertaken of studies on postpartum depression looking at parental childhood abuse, parenting and child outcomes, as well as childhood abuse and its association with adult depression and parenting difficulties.

Results: Considerable overlap is noted in predisposing factors for major depression, postpartum depression, inadequate parenting and childhood abuse. Links appear to begin in early infancy, suggesting postpartum depression as a possible mechanism for intergenerational transmission of psychopathology.

Conclusions: Further research is required to look at the outcome of children of women who are at high risk of chronic or recurrent depression and of difficulties parenting; the postpartum period is the optimum time for identification and intervention.