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Oxytocin in the postnatal period: Associations with attachment and maternal caregiving
Jane Kohlhoff1, Valsamma Eapen2, Mark Dadds3
1School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Hospital Rd, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; Karitane, P.O. Box 241, Villawood, NSW 2163, Australia.
Background:
This study investigated the associations of maternal oxytocin, self-reported attachment insecurity and depressive symptoms with maternal caregiving sensitivity at 3-4months postpartum, observed during the 'free play' and 'reunion' episodes of the Still Face Procedure.
Methods:
112 mothers completed questionnaires and gave blood samples to determine oxytocin plasma levels before (time 1) and after participating in the Still Face Procedure with their infant (time 2).
Results:
Sensitive maternal caregiving during the free play episode was predicted by 'good' infant behavior; during the reunion episode it was predicted by 'good' infant behavior, higher baseline levels of maternal oxytocin and a greater maternal oxytocin response, or in other words, a larger increase in maternal oxytocin level from time 1 to time 2. With other variables free to vary, baseline maternal oxytocin levels mediated an inverse relation between maternal adult attachment avoidance and sensitive maternal caregiving during the reunion episode.
Conclusion:
Results highlight the association between oxytocin and sensitive maternal caregiving and suggest that oxytocin is a biological mechanism through which maternal attachment insecurity affects early parenting quality.
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