Investigating Youth, Maternal Depression, and Familial bonds

My name is Megan Mackinnon, and I just completed my undergraduate degree in psychology at UTM. In September of 2023, I joined the CCDMP and had the opportunity to work with Dr. Ruth Speidel and Emma Galarneau as a thesis student on the AIRY project. I have always had a strong interest in child development and have focused my undergraduate studies on learning more about how each child’s unique set of familial, social, and environmental circumstances can influence their well-being.

For my thesis project, I chose to focus on the link between a child’s mental health and their family. I explored how both youth and maternal depressive symptoms can influence their perceptions of their families. My research identified that higher youth and maternal depressive symptoms were associated with each person evaluating the relationships and interactions within their families more negatively. These findings suggest that it is essential to address both youth and maternal depressive symptoms in a family context to improve family dynamics and support youth well-being.

My thesis experience deepened my interest in understanding how family relationships can influence youth mental health. In the future, I hope to contribute to the development of strategies targeted towards improving family relationships, ultimately supporting healthy childhood development long-term.

I’m extremely grateful to the families who participated in my thesis research and to Dr. Speidel, Emma, and the team at the CCDMP for their guidance and support.