Authors: McMahon, Catherine A.¹; Barnett, Byranne²; Kowalenko, Nicholas M.³; Tennant, Christopher C.⁴

Source: Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, Volume 47, Number 7, July 2006 , pp. 660-669(10)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

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.

Keywords: Attachment state of mind; postnatal depression; attachment; chronicity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-7610.2005.01547.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia 2: South West Sydney Area Health Service, Sydney, Australia 3: Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia 4: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Sydney, Australia

Publication date: 2006-07-01

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