File(s) under permanent embargo
A prospective study of the parent–baby bond in men and women 15 months after birth
journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 21:56 authored by Y Parfitt, S Ayers, Alison PikeAlison Pike, Donna JessopDonna Jessop, Elizabeth FordElizabeth FordObjective: To prospectively examine the impact of parental mental health (PTSD, depression and anxiety), the couple’s relationship quality and the infant temperament on the parent–baby bond in first-time mothers and fathers. Background: Evidence suggests that poor parental mental health, difficult infant temperament and/or lower quality of the couple’s relationship may impede the parent–baby bond. However, little research has included both parents or followed these measures across time. Methods: 75 women and 66 men completed questionnaire measures during pregnancy, 3 and 15 months postpartum, assessing mental health symptoms, the parent–baby bond, the couple’s relationship and infant characteristics. The response rates at different time-points were 90%, 77% and 70%. Results: The parent–baby bond was associated with parental mental health, the couple’s relationship and infant characteristics. The most important predictors of the parent–baby bond three months postpartum for both men and women were the couple’s relationship during pregnancy and their baby’s temperament at three months. At 15 months postpartum, after accounting for the parent–baby bond at 3 months, only concurrent infant temperament remained a significant predictor for women. However, men’s bond with their baby at 15 months was predicted by their relationship with their partner in pregnancy and concurrent affective symptoms. Few significant gender differences were found, apart from women reporting more mental health symptoms than men. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of the couple’s relationship in pregnancy and the infant’s temperament on the development of the parent–baby bond. Future research is needed to examine this in larger more representative samples.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Published version
Journal
Journal of Reproductive and Infant PsychologyISSN
0264-6838Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
5Volume
32Page range
441-456Department affiliated with
- Primary Care and Public Health Publications
Full text available
- No
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2015-07-30First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2015-07-30Usage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC