THE IMPACT OF NEGATIVE BIRTH EXPERIENCE AND PERINATAL MENTAL DISORDERS ON THE QUALITY OF MOTHER-CHILD ATTACHMENT
Author(s)
Anetta Vass, BSc1, Annamaria Pakai, MSc, RN, PhD2, Szandra KATONA, BSc3, Kristóf GRÓF, MSc4, Lívia TÓTH, MSc2, Imre Boncz, MSc, PhD, MD5, Patrik Bogdán, Msc2.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 5Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
1University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 2Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 3Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Midwifery and Health Visiting, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 4Institute of Emergency Care, Pedagogy of Health and Nursing Sciences, University of Pécs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary, 5Institute of Health Insurance, University of Pécs Faculty of Health Sciences, Pécs, Hungary.
OBJECTIVES: Pregnancy and childbirth are significant life events that have a substantial impact on maternal psychological well-being and the development of mother-infant bonding. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of childbirth experience, perceived social support, and physical and mental health problems during pregnancy on the quality of mother-infant bonding.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire-based data collection method. The sample consisted of mothers aged 20-34 years caring for their infants (n=173). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The results showed a significant negative correlation between childbirth experience and mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.414; p<0.001). Among the subscales of childbirth experience, professional support (r = −0.430; p<0.001), own capacity (r = −0.300; p<0.001), and perceived safety (r = −0.301; p<0.001) were significantly associated with bonding. A significant, strong negative correlation was found between perceived social support and mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.661; p<0.001). Significant differences in mother-infant bonding were observed in relation to physical health problems during pregnancy (p<0.001). A significant, strong positive correlation was found between postpartum depression and mother-infant bonding (r = 0.620; p<0.001). Additionally, anxious adult attachment style showed a significant, moderate negative correlation with mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.436; p<0.001). Significant differences were also found between groups based on the presence of pre-pregnancy depression in terms of total PBQ scores (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Childbirth experience, social support, and maternal mental health play a key role in the development of mother-infant bonding. Positive childbirth experiences and adequate social support act as protective factors, while mental and physical health problems negatively affect the quality of bonding.
METHODS: A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire-based data collection method. The sample consisted of mothers aged 20-34 years caring for their infants (n=173). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent samples t-test, and ANOVA (p<0.05).
RESULTS: The results showed a significant negative correlation between childbirth experience and mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.414; p<0.001). Among the subscales of childbirth experience, professional support (r = −0.430; p<0.001), own capacity (r = −0.300; p<0.001), and perceived safety (r = −0.301; p<0.001) were significantly associated with bonding. A significant, strong negative correlation was found between perceived social support and mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.661; p<0.001). Significant differences in mother-infant bonding were observed in relation to physical health problems during pregnancy (p<0.001). A significant, strong positive correlation was found between postpartum depression and mother-infant bonding (r = 0.620; p<0.001). Additionally, anxious adult attachment style showed a significant, moderate negative correlation with mother-infant bonding (rₛ = −0.436; p<0.001). Significant differences were also found between groups based on the presence of pre-pregnancy depression in terms of total PBQ scores (p<0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Childbirth experience, social support, and maternal mental health play a key role in the development of mother-infant bonding. Positive childbirth experiences and adequate social support act as protective factors, while mental and physical health problems negatively affect the quality of bonding.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
CO221
Topic
Clinical Outcomes, Epidemiology & Public Health, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care
Topic Subcategory
Clinical Outcomes Assessment
Disease
Mental Health (including addiction), Reproductive & Sexual Health