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The Influence of Maternal Anxiety on Early Child Development: Insights for Practitioners

The Influence of Maternal Anxiety on Early Child Development: Insights for Practitioners

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to mental health worldwide. Among the most affected are pregnant women, whose anxiety levels have been significantly impacted by the pandemic's uncertainties. A recent study titled "The Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Early Child Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic" sheds light on how maternal anxiety influences early childhood development, particularly in speech-language, sensory-motor, and socio-emotional domains.

Key Findings from the Study

The study involved 142 pregnant women and their infants aged 12 months. It revealed that maternal trait anxiety and COVID-19-related fear significantly impact infants' developmental outcomes. The research utilized the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure maternal anxiety levels and assessed children's development through an online questionnaire.

Strategies for Practitioners

Practitioners working with expectant mothers can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of maternal anxiety on child development. Here are some strategies based on the study's findings:

  1. Promote Mental Health Support: Encourage pregnant women to seek mental health support through counseling or therapy. Addressing anxiety can lead to better developmental outcomes for their children.
  2. Enhance Social Support Networks: Facilitate connections between expectant mothers and community support groups. Social support has been shown to buffer against anxiety and improve overall well-being.
  3. Educate on Coping Mechanisms: Provide resources and workshops on effective coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety during pregnancy.
  4. Monitor Infant Development: Conduct regular assessments of infants' developmental milestones to identify any areas needing intervention early.

The Need for Further Research

This study underscores the need for ongoing research into the long-term effects of maternal anxiety on child development, especially in the context of global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this body of research by documenting their observations and outcomes from interventions.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: The Impact of Maternal Anxiety on Early Child Development During the COVID-19 Pandemic.


Citation: Jeličić, L., Sovilj, M., Bogavac, I., Drobnjak, A., Gouni, O., Kazmierczak, M., & Subotić, M. (2021). The impact of maternal anxiety on early child development during the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.792053
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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