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The role of infant sleep in intergenerational transmission of trauma

Ilana S Hairston1, Ellen Waxler, Julia S Seng

  • 1Psychiatry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2700, USA. ilanahai@mta.ac.il

Sleep
|October 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Infant sleep problems and maternal mood issues independently impact mother-infant bonding, which predicts later behavioral issues in children, suggesting a link to inter-generational trauma transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Maternal Mental Health

Background:

  • Inter-generational transmission of trauma (IGTT) links parental trauma to child emotional/behavioral problems.
  • Antenatal factors, parenting, and environment influence childhood sleep.
  • Infant sleep problems predict later behavioral and emotional issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine if infant sleep problems predict early behavioral issues indicative of IGTT.
  • To understand the role of maternal trauma history and PTSD in infant sleep and bonding.

Main Methods:

  • 184 first-time mothers (with/without childhood abuse history and PTSD) were assessed.
  • Maternal depression, anxiety, and sleep were measured at 4 months postpartum.
  • Infant sleep, mother-infant bonding (4 months), and child behavior (18 months) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Infants of mothers with PTSD showed more sleep problems and separation anxiety.
  • Maternal depression mediated impaired bonding; infant sleep disturbance contributed independently.
  • Impaired mother-infant bonding at 4 months predicted increased behavioral problems at 18 months.

Conclusions:

  • Infant sleep difficulties and maternal mood independently affect mother-infant bonding.
  • Disturbed bonding is a predictor of subsequent behavioral problems in children.
  • Findings highlight potential pathways for inter-generational transmission of trauma.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child abusePTSDdepressiondevelopment

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