Abstract
Research shows divergent data on the differences between the sexes in the association between maternal depression and children development. The objective of this study was to compare differences between the sexes concerning the behavior and school performance of children living with maternal depression, correlating such outcomes. Participants were 40 mother-child dyads, with mothers diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder. The children, 7 to 12 years old, were divided into groups by sex. The procedures involved the application of diagnostic interview, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the School Performance Test. Girls showed more emotional symptoms than boys. Significant associations between behavior and school performance were found for girls only, indicating greater vulnerability of them.
Keywords:
depression; human sex differences; child psychology; mother child relations; school achievement