Abstract

Maternal mental-health problems during early childhood can affect child development. However, most research has focused on depressive symptoms. We aimed to examine two distinct presentations of mental-health problems (depressive and parenting-related-distress symptoms) during early childhood and their indirect associations with infants’ cognitive, expressive, and receptive language at 3 years old via maternal sensitivity, intrusiveness, and cognitive stimulation in Chile. Using data from Mil Primeros Días, the study involved 940 families. Maternal mental-health problems and mother–child interactions were assessed in 2019 using self-reports and observational scales. Children’s outcomes were evaluated at age 3 in 2021. Findings support significant combined indirect effects of parenting-related distress on children’s expressive language. Conversely, no significant pathways were found for maternal depressive symptoms and child outcomes. We offer suggestions for health and early childhood policies focused on early identification of mental-health issues and mother–child interaction styles that promote children’s development. © The Author(s) 2025