When a baby has a depressed parent who ignores the baby's cues, what is a likely outcome?

The selection of the outcome related to reduced brain activity in a baby with a depressed parent who ignores their cues is based on research showing that consistent neglect or lack of responsive interaction can negatively impact a child’s developing brain. When a parent does not respond to a baby's cues—such as crying, cooing, or reaching out—the child may not receive the necessary social and emotional stimulations that are critical for healthy brain development. This lack of engagement can lead to diminished neural connections, especially in areas of the brain that govern social and emotional processing.

Additionally, babies depend heavily on their caregivers for not only nourishment but also for emotional and social learning, so unresponsive caregiving can inhibit essential interactions that promote the development of cognitive skills and emotional regulation. As a result, reduced brain activity may manifest, affecting the child’s ability to process experiences and learn effectively. This understanding is supported by a body of evidence in developmental psychology that highlights the importance of nurturing and responsive caregiving on early brain development.