Graduation Year

2025

Document Type

Senior Thesis

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Primary Major

Nursing

Thesis Advisor

Deborah Meshel, BSN, MSN

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the impact of early maternal mental health interventions on child development, focusing on cognitive, emotional, and social behaviors. The study aims to evaluate whether children whose mothers receive mental health interventions, such as support for depression and anxiety, show improved developmental outcomes compared to children whose mothers do not receive such interventions.

Methods

The study will include 100 mother-child pairs, recruited from clinics in Northern California. Child developmental outcomes will be assessed using standardized tools: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-V), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Social Skills Improvement System Rating Scales (SSIS-RS). Follow-ups will occur at 3, 5, 10, and 15 years. Results

Results

It is expected that the results will show that children whose mothers received early mental health interventions will exhibit better cognitive, emotional, and social development compared to children whose mothers did not receive interventions.

Conclusion

This research is expected to show that early maternal mental health interventions improve child development. The findings will emphasize the importance of integrating mental health support into prenatal and postnatal care, with implications for nursing practice in early screening and intervention. Future research can explore additional interventions and their long-term effects on maternal and child health.

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