Posttraumatic stress following childbirth and maternal perceptions of the mother-infant bond: the role of attachment experiences and metacognition
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Date
28/11/2012Author
Williams, Charlotte
Metadata
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Some women develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress following childbirth.
There is preliminary evidence that cognitive variables may be associated with the
development or maintenance of these symptoms. Research indicates that symptoms of
posttraumatic stress following childbirth may have negative consequences for mother-infant
relationship outcomes. However, these may be attributable to comorbid symptoms of
depression. Further evidence is required regarding the nature of the relationships between
these variables.
METHODS: An internet based cross-sectional questionnaire design was employed to test
hypothesised relationships between maternal attachment experiences, metacognition,
symptoms of PTSD and depression and perceptions of the mother-infant bond, in an
analogue sample of new mothers. Structural equation modelling was employed for the
principal analysis.
RESULTS: The final structural model demonstrated a good fit to sample data. Metacognition
fully mediated the relationship between attachment experiences and postnatal psychological
outcomes. The association between posttraumatic stress and maternal perceptions of the
mother-infant bond was fully mediated by depression.
CONCLUSIONS: Metacognition may have a key role in the development and maintenance of
postnatal psychological distress. If clinically significant postnatal depression is identified,
screening for posttraumatic stress is strongly indicated.