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The Effect of Maternal Depression on Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review
Andrzej Śliwerski1, Karolina Kossakowska1, Karolina Jarecka1
1Institute of Psychology, University of Lodz, 91-433 Lodz, Poland.
Summary
Maternal depression's impact on infant attachment security is complex. Structured interviews showed a link, while questionnaires did not, especially after six months postpartum.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Perinatal Mental Health
Background:
- Maternal depression is a significant concern affecting child development.
- Understanding its influence on early child attachment security is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review empirical studies on maternal depression and infant attachment security.
- To identify factors influencing the association before 24 months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched EBSCO and PubMed databases for "infant attachment" AND "depression" studies.
- Included 29 studies from 1510 unique publications.
Main Results:
- The association between maternal depression and infant attachment security is equivocal.
- Depression diagnosed via structured interview significantly influenced attachment; questionnaire-based measures did not.
- Postpartum depression was significant only when measured within six months of childbirth.
Conclusions:
- The maternal depression-infant attachment relationship is complex and dynamic.
- Maternal involvement may mitigate negative effects.
- Future research requires reliable diagnostic methods, appropriate measurement timing, and multifactorial, prospective designs.
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