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The development of children (ages 2 to 49 months) of mentally ill mothers was compared with that of children of matched “well” mothers. The children of mentally ill mothers scored lower on measures of intelligence and had a less adaptive coping style in the testing situation. The children of “well” mothers were more socially competent; that is, they sought the attention of adults more often, responded more to social initiatives, displayed more positive affect, and sent clearer signals. Clinical data on the children of mentally ill mothers complemented the research data, indicating that these children displayed problems in the areas of interpersonal relationships, verbal‐conceptual functioning, attentional skills, and mood and affect.

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Judith S. Musick is executive director of The Ounce of Prevention Fund in Chicago. Use of milieu and home‐nursing intervention strategies suggest some optimism in helping mothers of young children function better at home and in the community.