An integrative model of the impact of maternal and paternal depressive episodes on the development of a child's bond

Abstract

According to the Institut de la statistique du Québec (2015), 4,9% of Quebecois between 25 to 44 years-old, period in which one becomes a parent, had suffered of depressive disorder in 2012. Depressive disorders can take various forms and can have diverse consequences on the person, especially on their environment, their marital relation and on their relations with their children. Moreover, this psychopathology can increase distress among kids. Currently, in the scientific literature, various articles mention the impact of the mother’s depression on her children, but very few studies tackle the impact of depression in both of parents on their children. This article wants to elaborate an integration model who will put emphasis on the impact of both parent’s depression on their child. This study hypothesizes that depressive disorders will manifest differently in both parents, but will essentially result in issues relating to the child’s affective ties.