New parents with depression or stress may require greater support than they are currently receiving, according to a study published today (November 4th).

The Growing Up in Ireland report is the result of research beginning in 2006, which has seen 11,000 children monitored from the age of nine months, with a focus on the way parenting affects the child's development.

Trinity College Dublin's Dr Elizabeth Nixon, who co-authored the study, said: "Both mothers’ and fathers’ parenting behaviours can be negatively affected by stress and depression, but babies can be protected from these potentially negative influences if sensitive parent-child interactions can be maintained."

According to the report, there is a strong link between higher levels of depression and greater stress, with an association discovered between maternal stress and a child's difficult temperament. 

The authors note it is possible that these children are harder to deal with and so result in an increase in parental stress. However, it may also be the case that these parents perceive their children to be more difficult because they are already stressed.

Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald said the new Child and Family Agency - which will be established next year - will help to ensure these families receive the help and childcare support they require. 

Written by Donal Walsh

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