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Recalled parental rearing behavior shapes mental health after preterm birth: Evidence from the Gutenberg Prematurity

Mareike Ernst1, Alexander K Schuster2, Eva Mildenberger3

  • 1Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Department of Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, Institute of Psychology, University of Klagenfurt, Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Austria.

Psychiatry Research
|August 13, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Parental rearing behaviors influence mental health in individuals born preterm. Recalled emotional warmth was linked to fewer depression and anxiety symptoms, while overprotection was associated with more distress.

Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Perinatal Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Preterm birth is linked to later mental distress.
  • The role of psychosocial factors, like family context, remains under-researched.
  • Understanding these factors is crucial for improving long-term outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between recalled parental rearing behaviors and preterm birth characteristics.
  • To examine the relationship between parental rearing and later-life psychological symptom burden.
  • To identify potential modifiable risk factors for mental distress in preterm-born individuals.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study utilized birth registry data from Mainz University Hospital (1969-2002).
  • Participants were stratified by gestational age (GA) into four groups.
  • Standardized questionnaires assessed recalled parental rearing and psychological symptoms.

Main Results:

  • Lower gestational age was associated with increased recalled emotional warmth and overprotection.
  • Recalled emotional warmth correlated with reduced depression and anxiety symptoms.
  • Recalled overprotection was linked to increased depression symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Parental rearing behavior significantly impacts offspring mental health.
  • Adaptive parental behaviors may mitigate mental health risks associated with preterm birth.
  • Parental rearing is a potential modifiable factor for improving long-term mental health outcomes.

Keywords:
Mental healthParental behaviorPerinatal stressPrematurityRecalled rearing behavior

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