Sandra Nakić Radoš1, Marijana Matijaš2, Maja Anđelinović2, Anto Čartolovni3, Susan Ayers4. 1. Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia. Electronic address: snrados@unicath.hr. 2. Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia. 3. Digital Healthcare Ethics Laboratory, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia. 4. Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City University of London, London, UK.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is some evidence posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth may impact on the mother-infant bond. However, the evidence is inconsistent over whether PTSD or co-morbid depressive symptoms are primarily related to impaired bonding. This study therefore aimed to examine the relationship between PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms and mother-infant bonding. METHODS: A cross-sectional online study included 603 mothers of infants aged 1-12 months. Measures were taken of PTSD (City Birth Trauma Scale, Ayers et al., 2018) which has two subscales of birth-related PTSD symptoms and general PTSD symptoms; depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Cox et al., 1987) and mother-infant bonding (Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, Brockington et al., 2001). RESULTS: Impaired bonding was related to both dimensions of PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms in bivariate analysis. Path analysis testing the model of whether depressive symptoms mediated the effect of PTSD symptoms on mother-infant bonding found a differential role of birth-related and general PTSD symptoms. Birth-related PTSD symptoms did not have any effect on bonding or depressive symptoms. In contrast, general PTSD symptoms had a direct effect on bonding and an indirect effect on bonding via depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Self-report measures of PTSD and depression symptoms were used. CONCLUSIONS: Further research regarding different aspects of postpartum PTSD, depression and other disorders in the context of mother-infant bonding are needed. Future preventive programs should focus on diminishing symptoms of postpartum PTSD and depression so that the mother-infant bonding remains optimal.
BACKGROUND: There is some evidence posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth may impact on the mother-infant bond. However, the evidence is inconsistent over whether PTSD or co-morbid depressive symptoms are primarily related to impaired bonding. This study therefore aimed to examine the relationship between PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms and mother-infant bonding. METHODS: A cross-sectional online study included 603 mothers of infants aged 1-12 months. Measures were taken of PTSD (City Birth Trauma Scale, Ayers et al., 2018) which has two subscales of birth-related PTSD symptoms and general PTSD symptoms; depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Cox et al., 1987) and mother-infant bonding (Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, Brockington et al., 2001). RESULTS: Impaired bonding was related to both dimensions of PTSD symptoms and depressive symptoms in bivariate analysis. Path analysis testing the model of whether depressive symptoms mediated the effect of PTSD symptoms on mother-infant bonding found a differential role of birth-related and general PTSD symptoms. Birth-related PTSD symptoms did not have any effect on bonding or depressive symptoms. In contrast, general PTSD symptoms had a direct effect on bonding and an indirect effect on bonding via depressive symptoms. LIMITATIONS: Self-report measures of PTSD and depression symptoms were used. CONCLUSIONS: Further research regarding different aspects of postpartum PTSD, depression and other disorders in the context of mother-infant bonding are needed. Future preventive programs should focus on diminishing symptoms of postpartum PTSD and depression so that the mother-infant bonding remains optimal.
Authors: Jonathan E Handelzalts; Sigal Levy; Susan Ayers; Haim Krissi; Yoav Peled Journal: Arch Womens Ment Health Date: 2022-06-13 Impact factor: 4.405
Authors: Kai Wei Lee; Siew Mooi Ching; Navin Kumar Devaraj; Seng Choi Chong; Sook Yee Lim; Hong Chuan Loh; Habibah Abdul Hamid Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-05-26 Impact factor: 3.390