US EditionMother-infant bonding can buffer long-term effects of postpartum depression on child outcomes
- On April 15, 2025, findings were published by a group of researchers from Shinshu University, including Associate Professor Daimei Sasayama, demonstrating links between postpartum depression, mother-infant bonding, and behavioral challenges observed in sixth-grade children from Okaya, Japan.
- The study was motivated by evidence that maternal postpartum depression can hinder bonding, increasing risks of insecure attachment and developmental problems in children.
- The research examined 245 mother-child pairs, finding that 17.1% of mothers had postpartum depressive symptoms, aligning with Japan's national prevalence, and that bonding mediated 34.6% of depression's impact on child difficulties.
- Dr. Sasayama highlighted that the impact of maternal depression after childbirth on children's difficulties was partially explained—about one-third—by the quality of bonding between mother and infant. Additionally, boys were found to experience more psychosocial challenges than girls, particularly in areas related to conduct problems and issues with hyperactivity or inattention.
- The findings emphasize early bonding's long-term protective role and suggest future research and interventions should focus on enhancing postpartum mother-to-infant bonding to improve child outcomes.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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CU Boulder offers program designed to help new moms with postpartum depression and more
The time right after a baby is born can leave new moms feeling joy and overwhelming happiness. It can also come with overwhelming sadness, anxiety and postpartum depression.University of Colorado Boulder is now sharing a program for new moms designed to work around a shortage of mental health care specialists, long wait lists and cost.Alma, a free peer-led initiative, connects mothers with lived experience to those seeking help. The university s…
Medical Xpress
Science DailyPostpartum depression and bonding: Long-term effects on school-age children
Postpartum maternal mental health and mother-to-infant bonding are well-established as critical factors in a child's psychosocial development. However, few studies have explored the combined impact of postpartum maternal depression and early bonding experiences on emotional and behavioral difficulties during middle childhood.
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