Children of mothers with mental ilness: Attachment, emotional and behavioural problems

This study describes the pattern of emotional and behavioural difficulties of children whose mothers have mental illness, and explores the relationship between children's behavioural and emotional difficulties and maternal perceptions of attachment. Thirteen mothers previously admitted to psychiatric hospital for mental illness completed a measure of their own symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory), their children's emotional and behavioural problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ)), and attachment security (Parent/Child Reunion Inventory) (n=21). Mean scores for child SDQ profiles were found to be within the 'normal' range, although (on some indices) mothers reported more 'case' scores for their children, than would be expected from standardized norms. It was found that there were significant positive correlations between 'insecurity' scores and all problem scales of the SDQ. Best predictors from the Parent/Child Reunion Inventory factors for each SDQ scale are reported and discussed.