Sex differences in the association between maternal depression and child and adolescent cognitive development: a
Marilyn N Ahun1,2, Claire Gapare3, Geneviève Gariépy1,4
1Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montréal, 7101 Avenue Parc, Montréal, Canada.
Background:
Maternal depression is negatively associated with cognitive development across childhood and adolescence, with mixed evidence on whether this association differs in boys and girls. Herein, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of sex-specific estimates of the association between maternal depression and offspring cognitive outcomes.
Method:
Seven databases (PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ERIC, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest) were searched for studies examining the longitudinal association between maternal depression and offspring (up to 18 years) cognitive outcomes. Studies were screened and included based on predetermined criteria by two independent reviewers (Cohen's κ = 0.76). We used random-effects models to conduct a meta-analysis and used meta-regression for subgroup analyses. The PROSPERO record for the study is CRD42020161001.
Results:
Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Maternal depression was associated with poorer cognitive outcomes in boys [Hedges' g = -0.36 (95% CI -0.60 to -0.11)], but not in girls [-0.17 (-0.41 to 0.07)]. The association in boys varied as a function of the measure of depression used (b = -0.70, p = 0.005): when maternal depression was assessed via a diagnostic interview, boys [-0.84 (-1.23 to -0.44)] had poorer cognitive outcomes than when a rating scale was used [-0.16 (-0.36 to 0.04)].
Conclusions:
This review and meta-analysis indicates that maternal depression is only significantly associated with cognitive outcomes in boys. Understanding the role of sex differences in the underlying mechanisms of this association can inform the development of targeted interventions to mitigate the negative effects of maternal depression on offspring cognitive outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types


