Maternal health and child socio-emotional development: findings from the growing up in New Zealand study

Abstract

We study the influence of maternal chronic illness and disability on the socio-emotional development of children across early to mid-childhood using the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Controlling for a host of relevant maternal, household and child characteristics, our results show a negative link between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes at eight years of age. At earlier ages, the evidence of a relationship between maternal health and child socio-emotional outcomes is weaker. We also find that maternal parenting style and depression mediate the relationship between maternal chronic illness and disability and child socio-emotional outcomes. Specific..