THE EFFECTS OF MATERNAL DEPRESSION ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN

Abstract

Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of Maternal Depression on level of academic achievement of their children.

Place and Duration of Study: This paper is a part of a Ph.D Dissertation and conducted during the period of 2005 to 2010 at Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi.

Hypotheses: After detailed literature review the following aspects were hypothesized. (1)Children of mothers having depressive symptoms will score low on the level of academic achievement (Spelling, Reading and Arithmetic) as compare to children of non depressed mothers. (2)There will be significant difference on the level of academic achievement , (spelling, Reading and Arithmetic  ) between boys and girls of mothers having depressive symptoms.

Methods: The present study comprised of 120 participants ( 60 mothers and 60 children) divided in depressed and non depressed group after screening from normal population). Reading subtest of Wide Range achievement test was used to assess the reading level of mothers Reynolds Depression Screening Inventory (RDSI) was used to rule out sample of mothers with and without Depressive symptoms.  Wide Range achievement test-three (WRAT-3) was administered on children to assess the level of Spelling, Reading and Arithmetic. Further Intake card and sheet of Institute of Clinical Psychology, University of Karachi was used to take the case history regarding general functioning of mother and their children. t-test was applied to assess the differences between groups.

Results: Findings showed non-significant differences on these variables, Spelling and Reading between children of depressed and non depressed mothers, however significant difference was revealed on the variable of Arithmetic between children of depressed and non depressed mother. Non-significant results with reference to gender difference between male and female children of depressed mothers were also revealed on Reading, spelling and Arithmetic skills