Abstract

The present study investigated ; 1) if the quality of mother-child interaction of depressed mothers (n=13) and mondepressed mothers(n=13) differ and 2) if maternal depression, quality of mother-child interaction, children's IQ scores and social-cognitive capacity were related to preschool-age children's maladjustment and behavior problems. Depressed group and nondepressed group were selected on the basis of Beck Depression Index(BDI). BDI score of Depressed group was 16 or above. Then mother and child were evaluated seperately and mother-child interaction patterns were observed. The mother-child interaction patterns in the playroom were videotaped through one-way mirror for 10 minute free play and 20 minute task performance period, and the videotaped interactions were rated according to the Response Class Matrix developed by Mash, Terdal & Anderson(1973). Children's IQs were assessed by KEDI-WISC, and their social-cognitive capacity were evaluated by Preschool Interpersonal Problem Solving Test(PIPS) and What Happens Next Game(WHNG). Children's behavior problems were rated by their mother and teacher using Child Behavior Check List(CBCL). The results indicated that depressed mothers responded less toward their children during the free paly period compared with controls. During the task performance period, depressed mothers exhibited less positive behavior than controls. In the analysis of variables related to children's behavior problems, maternal depression was associated with mother's CBCL rating, while quality of mother-child interaction and child's IQ were associated with teacher's CBCL rating. The results suggested that maternal depression was not directly related to children's behavior problems ; but rather to mothers' negative perceptions of their children, and contributed to the children's maladjustment through dysfunctional mother-child interactions.