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Correlates of impaired mother-infant bonding in a partial hospital program for perinatal women

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Abstract

Maternal psychopathology is a risk factor for impaired mother-infant bonding, but not all women with this illness experience impaired bonding. This study investigated correlates of mother-infant bonding among 180 postpartum women treated in a psychiatric partial hospitalization program. Women completed self-report measures of depressive symptoms and mother-infant bonding, and a retrospective chart review assessed demographic characteristics, clinician-rated diagnoses, and obstetric factors. Symptoms of depression, self-reported suicidality, demographic characteristics, and mode of delivery were significantly associated with impaired bonding.

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Correspondence to Laura E. Sockol.

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Sockol, L.E., Battle, C.L., Howard, M. et al. Correlates of impaired mother-infant bonding in a partial hospital program for perinatal women. Arch Womens Ment Health 17, 465–469 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-014-0419-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-014-0419-6

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