Mediating role of maternal burnout in the relationship between marital satisfaction and maternal attachment

This study aimed to examine the relationships among marital satisfaction, maternal attachment, and maternal burnout, and to evaluate the mediating role of maternal burnout in the relationship between marital satisfaction and maternal attachment.

Data were collected from 301 mothers with infants aged 0-12 months. Information was obtained using a Mother and Infant Descriptive Information Form, the Maternal Burnout Scale, the Marital Satisfaction Scale, and the Maternal Attachment Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Scale reliability was assessed with Cronbach's alpha, relationships between variables were examined using Pearson correlation analysis, and path analysis was conducted for model testing. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Maternal burnout and marital satisfaction were at moderate levels, while maternal attachment was high. The path model showed good fit indices, and maternal burnout played a significant mediating role in the relationship between marital satisfaction and maternal attachment. Marital duration, child's gender, number of children, and child's age were variables influencing the model. Marital satisfaction was negatively correlated with maternal burnout and positively correlated with maternal attachment. Maternal burnout and maternal attachment were also significantly negatively correlated.

Increased marital satisfaction was associated with lower maternal burnout, which in turn positively affected the mother-infant bond. Supporting couple relationships and addressing mothers' psychosocial needs may improve maternal and infant health during early parenting.

Integrating psychosocial and relational screening into postpartum care and involving partners in interventions may help reduce maternal burnout and strengthen mother-infant attachment.