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
Summary
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.
Keywords:
Rejection sensitivitymother-foetal bondingmother-infant bondingperipartumpostnatalpregnancyMore Related Videos
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