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Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother–Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum

Author

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  • Anna Maria Della Vedova

    (Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy)

  • Fabrizio Santoniccolo

    (Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy)

  • Cristina Sechi

    (Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy)

  • Tommaso Trombetta

    (Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

The quality of the early parent–infant relationship is crucial for the child’s optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic sensitivity at three months post-partum, also considering a large set of maternal and infant variables. At the third trimester of pregnancy (T1) and at three months postpartum (T2), 43 primiparous women filled in a set of questionnaires evaluating symptoms of depression (CES-D) or anxiety (STAI), the woman’s parental bonding experiences (PBI), alexithymia (TAS-20), maternal attachment to the baby (PAI, MPAS) and the perceived social support (MSPSS). At T2 mothers also completed a questionnaire on infant temperament and took part in the CARE-Index videotaped procedure. Dyadic sensitivity was predicted by higher maternal trait anxiety scores in pregnancy. In addition, the mother’s experience of being cared for by her father in childhood was predictive of her infant’s lower compulsivity, while paternal overprotection predicted higher unresponsiveness. The results highlight the influence of perinatal maternal psychological well-being and maternal childhood experiences on the quality of the dyadic relationship. The results may be useful to foster mother–child adjustment during the perinatal period.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Maria Della Vedova & Fabrizio Santoniccolo & Cristina Sechi & Tommaso Trombetta, 2023. "Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother–Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-16, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:5:p:4253-:d:1082380
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Cristina Sechi & Laura Elvira Prino & Luca Rollé & Loredana Lucarelli & Laura Vismara, 2021. "Maternal Attachment Representations during Pregnancy, Perinatal Maternal Depression, and Parenting Stress: Relations to Child’s Attachment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-11, December.
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