Science Daily – Staff Writer
“Childhood depression can lead to social, emotional and academic setbacks during childhood and later in life. However, little is known about what contributes to children’s developing depressive symptoms. Researchers from University of Missouri have determined that the level of language skills young children possess early in life can predict the likelihood they may experience depression. Keith Herman, a professor in MU’s College of Education, found that children who experience low levels of language learning stimulation beginning at three years of age are more likely to experience language delays by first grade and are three times more likely to develop depression by third grade.”(more)