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Does rejection sensitivity predict impaired mother-infant bonding? A longitudinal study

Maja Brekalo1, Marijana Matijaš1,2, Maja Žutić1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Croatia, Zagreb, Croatia.

Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology
|February 28, 2025
PubMed

Insights

High rejection sensitivity in expectant mothers can lead to impaired mother-infant bonding. Early identification and support during pregnancy are crucial for preventing bonding difficulties.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health
  • Developmental psychology
  • Attachment theory

Background:

  • Mother-infant bonding encompasses emotional, cognitive, neurobiological, and behavioral connections, developing from pregnancy through infancy.
  • Rejection sensitivity, a disposition marked by anxious expectations of social rejection, is a known relationship risk factor, but its impact on mother-infant bonding was unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between maternal rejection sensitivity and mother-infant bonding.
  • To explore the mediating role of mother-foetal bonding in this relationship.

Main Methods:

  • A three-wave longitudinal online study involving 1052 pregnant women.
  • Data collection included the Adult Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire, Prenatal Attachment Inventory, and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire.
  • Path analysis examined rejection sensitivity (T1) predicting mother-infant bonding (T3), with mother-foetal bonding (T2) as a mediator.

Main Results:

  • Higher maternal rejection sensitivity directly predicted impaired mother-infant bonding postpartum.
  • Rejection sensitivity also indirectly impacted mother-infant bonding through reduced mother-foetal bonding during pregnancy.
  • Specific dimensions of impaired bonding included anxiety about care and lack of affection.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal rejection sensitivity is a significant risk factor for impaired mother-infant bonding in the peripartum period.
  • Identifying women with high rejection sensitivity during pregnancy is essential for targeted interventions.
  • Proactive support can help prevent bonding difficulties and promote healthier maternal-infant relationships.
Abstract

Keywords:
Rejection sensitivitymother-foetal bondingmother-infant bondingperipartumpostnatalpregnancy

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