Longitudinal trajectories of maternal depression are associated with maternal and child problematic media use

This study uses a family systems and differential susceptibility framework to examine the association between postpartum media ecosystems, trajectories of maternal depression, and problematic media use in mothers and children (N = 501) in the United Sates over a 5-year period. Three classes of trajectories of maternal depression were identified: low stable, decreasers, and increasers. Results indicate that different classes of trajectories of maternal depression demonstrated differing levels of maternal problematic media use at Wave 1 and differing levels of both mother and child problematic media use at Wave 5. This family perspective provides a deeper understanding of how media ecosystems are connected to family-level processes and problematic media use for mothers and children. Findings suggest the need for better support of new mothers at a systemic level to support mothers' mental health and the healthy development of children's early relationship with media and technology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).