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How do maternal PTSD and alexithymia interact to impact maternal behavior?
Daniel S Schechter1, Francesca Suardi, Aurelia Manini
1Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service, University of Geneva Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland, daniel.schechter@hcuge.ch.
Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|July 11, 2014
Summary
Maternal interpersonal violence-related post-traumatic stress disorder (IPV-PTSD) and difficulty identifying emotions negatively impact maternal sensitivity in early childhood. These factors are linked to less responsive and more controlling parenting behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Maternal interpersonal violence-related post-traumatic stress disorder (IPV-PTSD) is linked to impaired maternal emotion regulation.
- Maternal sensitivity is crucial for a child's emotional and arousal regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal IPV-PTSD, alexithymia (difficulty identifying emotions), and maternal sensitivity.
- To examine how these factors influence maternal behavior towards toddlers.
Main Methods:
- 56 mothers and their toddlers (12-42 months) participated.
- Diagnostic interviews and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale were administered.
- Maternal sensitivity was observed and coded using the CARE-Index during free-play and separation tasks.
Main Results:
- Maternal IPV-PTSD severity was negatively associated with maternal sensitivity.
- Difficulty in identifying emotions (alexithymia) was also linked to reduced maternal sensitivity.
- Lower socio-economic status correlated with less sensitive and more controlling/unresponsive maternal behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Maternal IPV-PTSD and alexithymia are significant risk factors for diminished maternal sensitivity.
- These findings highlight the importance of addressing maternal trauma and emotional processing difficulties to support sensitive parenting.
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