Mental Health, Mother-Child Interaction and Development at the End of the First Year of Life1

Abstract

Maternal mental health can affect the quality of the mother-child interaction and, consequently, the development of the child. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the mother-child interaction and the neuro-psychomotor development of children at one year of age, taking into consideration the maternal mental health. A total of 65 children, who were registered in Family Health Units, participated, along with their mothers, who responded to a screening interview for common mental disorders. Development was evaluated through a risk screening test. The interaction was assessed through the Dyadic Interaction Assessment Protocol. Developmental risk was presented by 43.1% of the children. Although 44.6% of the mothers presented scores indicative of psychological distress, maternal mental health was not associated with the interactive behaviors. Some maternal and child behaviors were associated with developmental delays, however, only cognitive stimulation was shown to be a predictor of delays. The data contribute to the comprehension of the role of the interaction in child development.