Maternal attachment state of mind moderates the impact of postnatal depression on infant attachment.
BACKGROUND
Empirical studies have revealed a significant, but modest association between maternal depression and insecure mother-child attachment. Across studies, however, a substantial number of mothers with depression are able to provide a sensitive caretaking environment for their children. This paper aimed to explore whether a mother's own state of mind regarding attachment moderated the association between postpartum depression and insecure mother-child attachment.


METHODS
Mothers (n = 111), mainly middle-class mothers, and their infants participated in a longitudinal study of postnatal depression, maternal attachment state of mind and child attachment. Depression was assessed using a diagnostic interview (at 4 and 12 months) and symptom checklists (at 4, 12 and 15 months). The Adult Attachment Interview was conducted at 12 months and the Strange Situation procedure at 15 months.


RESULTS
Mothers diagnosed as depressed were more likely to have an insecure state of mind regarding attachment. Infants of chronically depressed mothers were more likely to be insecurely attached; however, the relationship between maternal depression and child attachment was moderated by maternal attachment state of mind.


CONCLUSIONS
Results are discussed with reference to resiliency factors for women with postnatal depression and implications for intervention.
McMahon
Catherine A
CA
Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. cmcmahon@psy.mq.edu.au
Barnett
Byranne
B
Kowalenko
Nicholas M
NM
Tennant
Christopher C
CC
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003710:Demography; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009769:Object Attachment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index