Maternal depression and affect: The role of parenting style on offsprings’ processing of emotional stimuli

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide due to its profound impact on one’s social and occupational functioning. Core features of depression, including persistently low mood and anhedonia, contribute to an altered sensitivity to one’s environment and ability to engage in everyday activities. Maternal depression, in particular, constitutes a unique and significant risk for depression in offspring, with evidence suggesting that this risk is further moderated by maternal parenting style. Specifically, previous research suggests that neglectful and unsupportive parental behavior commonly associated with maternal depression negatively affects the emotional and cognitive development of children. Using electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potentials (ERPs), this thesis examined the role of parenting style in the relationship between maternal depression and offspring emotional reactivity. Study aims: This study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of parenting style on the relationship between maternal depression and offspring interpretation of affective stimuli.