The Relationship between Behavioral Problems in 7 to 13 Year Old Children with Cerebral Palsy and Maternal Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study

In addition to numerous physical disabilities, children with cerebral palsy suffer from sociopsychological problems such as behavioral problems. The risk of depression in mothers of children with cerebral palsy is increased, while mothers have the most important role in the development of the children. Thus, this study has investigated the relationship between behavioral problems in children with cerebral palsy and depression in mothers.
In this study, 76 children with cerebral palsy and their mothers were evaluated. Children’s behavioral problems and maternal depression were evaluated using Rutter's Teacher Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Among the study subjects, 67.7% of children had behavioral problems. No significant correlation was observed between the behavioral problems of children with cerebral palsy and maternal depression (r = -0.08, P = 0.49).
According to the results of the present study, it seems that behavioral problems in children with cerebral palsy may not be the cause of depression in mothers.