engleski

Postpartum mental health and bonding in mothers and fathers: the role of parental sensitivity

Background Maternal sensitivity is vital for secure infant attachment but is affected by maternal mental health. Aims and Objectives The goal of this study was to test a model where parental sensitivity is a mediator between postpartum mental health (depression, anxiety, and stress) and parent-infant bonding in mothers and fathers. Methods Mothers (n = 427) and fathers (n = 170) of infants aged up to 1-year-old participated in an online study. The parents completed questionnaires on depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS), anxiety and stress (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, DASS-21). Parent-infant bonding was measured by Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) that has three components: Impaired bonding (PBQ1), Anxiety about care and parental distress (PBQ2), and Lack of enjoyment and affection with baby (PB3Q). Parental sensitivity was measured as a self-report of responsiveness, with two subscales measuring responsiveness and non-responsiveness (Maternal Infant Responsiveness Instrument, MIRI) and correctly recognising infant facial expressions (City Infant Faces Database, CIFD). Results The path analysis showed that the model had a good fit to the data. Parental sex was a significant moderator, indicating different paths in mothers and fathers. In mothers, responsiveness and non-responsiveness were significant mediators between depression symptoms and PBQ1 and PBQ2. On the other hand, in fathers, only non-responsiveness was a significant mediator between anxiety and PBQ3. Although recognition of infant facial expressions had a direct effect on PBQ3 only in mothers, it was not a significant mediator between mental health and bonding. Interpretation/Discussion Higher levels of parental mental health problems (depression and anxiety) are related to lower levels of their responsiveness, which is, in turn, associated with impaired parent-infant bonding. Conclusions Prevention and intervention programs should be offered for both mothers and fathers, focusing on postpartum mental health promotion and enhancing sensitivity and responsiveness in infant care.

maternal sensitivity ; responsiveness ; fathers ; mental health ; postpartum ; postpartum depression ; postpartum anxiety

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