A recent study revealed significant connections between maternal postpartum depression, children's executive function, and emotional overeating.
The research found that higher postpartum depression levels in mothers were associated with lower inhibition and emotional control in children, which in turn led to increased emotional overeating.
Published in Eating Behaviors, researchers analyzed data from 297 families participating in a longitudinal birth cohort study in the U.S. Midwest. Maternal depression was assessed at six weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, while children's executive function was measured at 24 months and emotional overeating at 48 months. The findings indicated a positive indirect effect of postpartum depression on emotional overeating through children's difficulties with inhibition and emotional control.
"Maternal postnatal depression had a significant direct association with lower emotional control," said Samantha J. Iwinski, PhD, from the Department of Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois. The study found that maternal postpartum depression was linked to poorer inhibition abilities in children, with a direct effect on emotional overeating remaining significant across various models.
Exclusive Interview: Potential Interventions
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Iwinski emphasized the importance of early interventions that support both maternal mental health and children's self-regulation skills.
"Addressing maternal mental health is critical, as early interventions can support both mothers and their children," Dr. Iwinski told us. "Screening and early identification of postpartum depression, along with increased access to mental health support—such as therapy and peer support groups—can help mothers manage symptoms and strengthen their emotional well-being."
Dr. Iwinski highlighted several effective approaches, including parenting support programs like "Minding the Baby," which integrate home visits with mental health care to enhance maternal sensitivity and emotional regulation.
"Children form multiple attachment relationships that shape their development, making secure bonds with parents and childcare providers essential," she explained. "Even one secure attachment can buffer the effects of an insecure bond elsewhere."
For children specifically, Dr. Iwinski recommended emotion coaching and social-emotional learning programs like The Incredible Years and Tools of the Mind, which help children recognize and manage emotions while strengthening executive function.
"Additionally, mindfulness and emotional regulation practices, including simple breathing exercises, can help reduce stress-driven behaviors like emotional overeating," she noted. "These strategies create a protective developmental environment by integrating maternal mental health support, secure attachment relationships, and child-focused self-regulation training."
Study Demographics and Future Research
Among the participants, 54 met the cutoff for clinical depression, with an average Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 4.38. The study also noted that 82% of caregivers were White, highlighting a lack of diversity in the sample.
When asked about this limitation, Dr. Iwinski confirmed, "We are currently exploring secondary datasets to understand the relationship between postpartum depression and children's eating behaviors across diverse populations and cultures."
She elaborated on how cultural differences might impact the findings: "Cultural differences significantly shape this relationship, as parenting practices, feeding norms, and attitudes toward mental health vary across cultures. These variations may influence maternal coping strategies and children's self-regulation in eating."
Dr. Iwinski explained that some cultures emphasize communal eating and responsive meal patterns, which could buffer against emotional overeating, while others may use food more frequently for emotional soothing. She also noted that disparities in healthcare access and stigma surrounding mental health in some communities may affect the identification and treatment of postpartum depression.
"Key factors that we need to consider include the impact of racial discrimination on mental health, how stressful life events affect coping strategies and emotional regulation, and how access to resources and fair treatment influences the support available for mothers and children," she added.
The authors emphasized the need for comprehensive screening and support for mothers experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms, even if they do not reach clinical levels. They called for integrating mental health screenings into routine postnatal care and providing accessible mental health services.
However, the study had limitations, including the exclusion of factors such as socioeconomic status and parental support, which could provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between postpartum depression and childhood behaviors.
The researchers concluded that their findings demonstrate a relationship between maternal mental health and child development that warrants further investigation.
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.