Decoding maternal perceptions: divergent predictors of perceived infant sleep problems and temperament

Maternal reports are a primary source of information regarding infant sleep and temperament, yet these perceptions may be influenced by maternal psychological factors. Prior research suggests complex relationships between maternal mood and perceptions of infant behavior, but longitudinal data remain scarce.

This longitudinal study examined how maternal sleep quality and depressive symptoms relate to perceived infant temperament and sleep difficulties. A community sample of 76 mothers with healthy full-term infants completed questionnaires at approximately 6 and 12 months postpartum. Measures included the Infant Sleep Questionnaire, the Infant Behavior Questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Seemingly unrelated regression models and Shapley value decomposition were used to assess predictors of perceived infant sleep and temperament.

Perceived sleep difficulties and negative temperament were significantly correlated (at 6 months: R = .243, P = .040; at 12 months: R = .364, P = .002). However, Infant Sleep Questionnaire scores at 12 months were best predicted by temporally proximal nighttime awakenings, accounting 40.8% of the variance explained by the model, whereas Infant Behavior Questionnaire negative affectivity was predicted by earlier maternal depressive symptoms (24.9%), sleep difficulties (11.3%), and infant awakenings at 6 months (32.4% of explained variance).

These findings suggest distinct cognitive bases for maternal perceptions of infant sleep and temperament. While infant sleep behaviors largely drive perceived sleep problems, maternal psychological well-being significantly influences perceptions of temperament. Understanding the differential impact of maternal factors can inform assessment strategies and interventions aimed at promoting infant well-being.

Hairston IS, Handelzalts JE. Decoding maternal perceptions: divergent predictors of perceived infant sleep problems and temperament. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025;21(12):2081-2090.