Maternal mental health – a key pillar in the emotional and cognitive development of the child

Abstract

The first months of life are essential for a child's development. The mother's mental health, from pregnancy through the postpartum period, shapes attachment and neuropsychological growth. Untreated mood disorders may affect the mother-child bond and impact emotional and cognitive development. This paper explores the connection between maternal mental health and child development, emphasizing the need for universal screening and early interventions during the perinatal period. A narrative review of scientific literature published between 2007 and 2024 was conducted using databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. A total of 87 clinical studies, meta-analyses, and relevant review articles investigating the impact of maternal mental health on child cognition and emotional development were included. Studies show that mothers with depression (prevalence between 14 and 23%) or severe anxiety have a significantly higher risk of developing insecure attachment with their child, which negatively affects emotional regulation, attention, language, and behavior. Untreated affective disorders can have serious long-term negative consequences on the child's cognitive and emotional development. Early interventions, such as psychological counseling, social support, and psychoeducation programs, can reduce these risks by up to 40%, significantly improving the mother-child bond and the child’s overall emotional and cognitive development. Maternal mental health is essential for the child’s emotional and cognitive development. Screening and early interventions during the perinatal period are vital to prevent disorders and support a healthy mother-child relationship, ensuring balanced and optimal development.