Maternal Mental Health and Child Health and Nutrition
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
9-18-2012
Abstract
In this chapter, the family stress model provides a framework for exploring the relationships between maternal mental health and child health and nutrition, in the context of poverty. Specifically, we examine what is known about the links between maternal depression and anxiety with the increased rates of overweight, nutritional deficiencies, food insecurity, and overall poorer health observed among low-income children. We then explore how maternal psychological distress may impact three parenting practices linked to these child health domains: (1) health-related parenting behaviors, such as monitoring the child's access to television; (2) parental feeding strategies, such as how long the mother breast-feeds; and (3) food-related coping strategies, such as the need to shop in a variety of stores for the best food bargains. We conclude with three key directions to advance our understanding of the pathway from maternal mental health to child outcomes.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
The Oxford Handbook of Poverty and Child Development
Citation/Publisher Attribution
McCurdy, Karen, Kathleen S. Gorman, Tiffani S. Kisler, and Elizabeth Metallinos-Katsaras. "Maternal Mental Health and Child Health and Nutrition." The Oxford Handbook of Poverty and Child Development (2012). doi: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199769100.013.0007.