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Nonlinear associations between maternal depressive symptoms and children's mental health: a cross-sectional study

Fenling Feng1,2, Xin Zhang3, Jihua Hu4,5

  • 1Department of pediatrics, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.

BMC Psychology
|January 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Maternal depressive symptoms show a nonlinear link to child mental health. Associations are strongest below certain symptom thresholds, weakening significantly above them.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Maternal Mental Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Maternal depressive symptoms (MDS) are linked to offspring mental health.
  • The nonlinear nature of this relationship requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine nonlinear dose-response relationships between MDS and child mental health in preschoolers.
  • Focus on preschool-aged children in western China.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 17,115 mother-child dyads.
  • MDS assessed via CES-D; child mental health via SDQ maternal reports.
  • Data collected from kindergartens in western China.

Main Results:

  • 16.14% of mothers reported elevated depressive symptoms (CES-D ≥ 16).
  • Nonlinear dose-response relationships observed with specific turning points for difficulties and prosocial behavior.
  • Associations were stronger below thresholds, weakening above them.

Conclusions:

  • Distinct nonlinear dose-response associations exist between MDS and child mental health in western China.
  • The strength of association varies below and above specific symptom thresholds.
  • Findings highlight the complexity of the maternal depression-child mental health link.
Abstract

Keywords:
CES‑DCross‑sectional studyMaternal depressive symptomsPreschool childrenSDQ

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