Maternal Behavioral Qualities in Mother-infant Interaction in the Context of Postnatal Depression: A Scoping Review

Authors

Andreea M. Barbu^1*, Oana Benga¹

¹ Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

Abstract

Maternal behaviors displayed in mother-infant interaction set the grounds for relationship formation in early childhood. Meanwhile, maternal postnatal depression represents an atypical context for infant development. The present review aims to systematically analyze previous research on specific maternal behaviors reflecting maternal depression in the first postnatal year, focusing on the definitions and findings regarding these behaviors. The review includes observational studies with mothers of infants up to 12 months. Results show variability in definitions, particularly for sensitivity and responsiveness, and mixed findings on the relationship between depression and maternal behaviors. Positive behaviors and negative behaviors were inconsistently associated with depression across studies, suggesting moderating factors such as maternal age, personality, socioeconomic status, and cultural context. We emphasize the need for standardized definitions and measures of maternal behaviors and call for further research into moderating variables. This review underscores the complexity of the relationship between maternal depression and maternal behaviors, advocating for more comprehensive and consistent future research.

Keywords: mother-infant interaction, maternal behavioral quality, postnatal depression

PAGES:203-247

doi:10.24193/cbb.2024.28.10

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