There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that maternal depression during pregnancy and the postnatal period can have profound and lasting effects on the mental health of offspring, particularly in terms of depression. This study aims to explore the intergenerational trajectories of depression, focusing on the role of maternal mental health, genetic susceptibility, and family dynamics as potential mediators and moderators in the transmission of depression from mother to child.

Building on previous research that has established a link between maternal depression and offspring mental health outcomes (Goodman et al., 2018), this project will employ a longitudinal approach to examine the trajectory of maternal depression and its influence on the development of offspring depression. We will explore the genetic underpinnings of depression by incorporating genetic risk scores (GRS) to assess the genetic liability within families. This approach allows us to understand not just the environmental transmission but also the genetic contribution to the intergenerational pattern of depression.

The study will also investigate the mediating role of family dynamics, such as parenting practices and the parent-child relationship, in the association between maternal depression and offspring depression. The impact of paternal involvement and the couple relationship quality on maternal postpartum depression and child development will be considered.