Effects of maternal depression and self-efficacy during pregnancy on postpartum bonding

Postpartum mother-child bonding is crucial for maternal mental health and child development, with significant influences beginning in the prenatal period. The aims of this study were to examine if prenatal depressive symptoms and prenatal self-efficacy could predict postpartum bonding impairments and to determine if prenatal self-efficacy buffers the relationship between prenatal depressive symptoms and postpartum maternal bonding.

The final sample analysed was 189 expectant first-time mothers, who took part in a longitudinal prospective study. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Short Scale for Measuring General Self-Efficacy Beliefs (ASKU) were assessed in the last trimester of pregnancy. The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) was filled in 6 months after birth.

Depressive symptoms and self-efficacy during pregnancy were significant predictors for postpartum bonding: The more depressive symptoms or the less self-efficacy, the more bonding impairments 6 months after birth were reported. Additionally, self-efficacy served as a significant moderator. A higher prenatal perceived self-efficacy buffered the negative effect of prenatal depressive symptoms on postpartum bonding.

The results highlight the need of prenatal screenings that assess both maternal mental health and self-efficacy, given the latter's protective role against depressive symptoms and its positive impact on bonding. Potential interventions to improve self-efficacy and reduce depressions should be available to pregnant women. This could improve maternal well-being and prevent or reduce impaired maternal postpartum bonding.