Oxytocin in the postnatal period: Associations with attachment and maternal caregiving

Abstract

BackgroundThis study investigated the associations of maternal oxytocin, self-reported attachment insecurity and depressive symptoms with maternal caregiving sensitivity at 3–4months postpartum, observed during the ‘free play’ and ‘reunion’ episodes of the Still Face Procedure. Methods112 mothers completed questionnaires and gave blood samples to determine oxytocin plasma levels before (time 1) and after participating in the Still Face Procedure with their infant (time 2). ResultsSensitive maternal caregiving during the free play episode was predicted by ‘good’ infant behavior; during the reunion episode it was predicted by ‘good’ infant behavior, higher baseline levels of maternal oxytocin and a greater maternal oxytocin response, or in other words, a larger increase in maternal oxytocin level from time 1 to time 2. With other variables free to vary, baseline maternal oxytocin levels mediated an inverse relation between maternal adult attachment avoidance and sensitive maternal caregiving during the reunion episode. ConclusionResults highlight the association between oxytocin and sensitive maternal caregiving and suggest that oxytocin is a biological mechanism through which maternal attachment insecurity affects early parenting quality.