London, Oct 16 (IANS): In a breakthrough study, researchers have identified a link between depression and poor parenting skills which could help in devising ways of preventing the trait from being passed on to posterity.

An article by researchers at the University of Exeter has identified those symptoms of depression that are likely to cause difficulties in parenting.

The article, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, indicates that parents who experience depression might be emotionally unavailable and as a consequence feel shame and guilt towards their parenting role.

The work also indicates that problems with memory, which is a symptom of depression, may affect a parent's ability to set goals for their child at the appropriate developmental stage.

The findings could lead to more effective interventions to prevent depression and other psychological disorders from being passed on from parent to child, reports Science Daily.