Adversities and resilience in the context of maternal depression: comparative cases studies

Maternal depression, associated with other stressors, comprise family contextual scenarios that may influence child development. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare, through case studies, family conditions that favor resilience or adversity for school children living with recurrent maternal depression, focusing on key-processes of resilience, analyzed in diverse family scenarios. Six mother-child pairs were studied, including women with a diagnosis of recurrent depression, characterized by moderate or severe episodes, three children with school and behavioral difficulties, and three children without these difficulties, by holding interviews, applying a questionnaire and psychological tests. The data obtained were combined into three family scenarios associated with maternal depression. For children without difficulties, organization of family routine with effective paternal participation, and pro-active maternal behavior in facing daily adversities were identified as conditions favorable to the key-processes of resilience.

Depression; Risk factors; Resilience, psychological