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Longitudinal associations between prenatal internalizing symptoms and mindfulness traits with postnatal bonding
Julia Garon-Bissonnette1,2, Christian A L Bean3, Emilia F Cárdenas3
1Department of Psychology and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA. Julia.Garon-Bissonnette@vanderbilt.edu.
Prenatal anxiety and depression predict persistent infant bonding difficulties. However, mindfulness, particularly acting with awareness and nonjudgment, supports better bonding in mothers during the early postnatal period.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal mental health
- Mother-infant bonding
- Mindfulness research
Background:
- Maternal-infant bonding is crucial for development.
- Predictors of early bonding difficulties are not well understood.
- This study investigates prenatal factors influencing postnatal bonding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine prenatal anxiety, depressive symptoms, and mindfulness as predictors of infant bonding difficulties.
- To understand the temporal variation in bonding difficulties during the first two months postpartum.
Main Methods:
- 120 pregnant women were assessed mid-pregnancy for anxiety, depression, and mindfulness.
- Bonding difficulties were measured every two weeks from 1 to 7 weeks postpartum.
- Multilevel modeling was used to analyze longitudinal data.
Main Results:
- Bonding difficulties showed an inverted U-shaped pattern, worsening then improving around 5 weeks postpartum.
- Prenatal anxiety and depression were linked to overall greater bonding difficulties.
- Mindfulness facets (acting with awareness, nonjudging) correlated with fewer difficulties and earlier improvement.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal anxiety and depression may be risk factors for persistent bonding issues.
- Mindfulness before childbirth, specifically nonjudgmental awareness, may foster early maternal-infant bonding.
- These findings highlight potential targets for early intervention to support maternal-infant relationships.
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