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Prenatal representations link pregnancy intention to observed caregiving
Lauren G Bailes1,2, Brooke Fleming1,3, Juelle Ford1
1Department of Psychology and Human Development, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
|November 10, 2024
Summary
Parental caregiving sensitivity and warmth were higher in intended pregnancies. This was partly explained by a richer perception of the child, suggesting a target for interventions supporting positive caregiver-child relationships.
Area of Science:
- Perinatal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Maternal-Infant Bonding
Background:
- Unintended pregnancies are linked to poorer parenting and increased risk of child abuse or neglect.
- Understanding factors influencing caregiving behaviors is crucial for early intervention.
- Assessing these factors during pregnancy can inform support strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of prenatal mental representations in the link between pregnancy intention and infant caregiving.
- To examine if acceptance and richness of perceptions explain the association between pregnancy intention and observed caregiver behavior.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 297 pregnant individuals and their infants at 6 months.
- Assessed caregivers' prenatal mental representations (acceptance, richness of perceptions).
- Observed caregiver-child interactions and rated caregiving sensitivity and warmth.
Main Results:
- Caregiver-child interactions were rated higher in sensitivity and warmth for intended pregnancies compared to unintended ones.
- A greater richness of perceptions, but not acceptance, partially explained these associations.
- Prenatal mental representations mediate the relationship between pregnancy intention and caregiving quality.
Conclusions:
- Richness of perceptions is a potential intervention target for supporting parents in unintended pregnancies.
- Interventions focusing on enhancing prenatal perceptions may promote positive caregiver-child relationships.
- Early assessment of mental representations can guide support for vulnerable parent-infant dyads.
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