Abstract
ABSTRACTMaternal self‐efficacy predicts sensitive and responsive caregiving. Low maternal self‐efficacy is associated with a higher incidence of postpartum depression. Maternal self‐efficacy and postpartum depression can both be buffered by social support. Maternal self‐efficacy and postpartum depression have both been linked independently, albeit in separate studies, to the experience of violent trauma, childhood maltreatment, and spousal abuse. This study proposed a model in which postpartum depression mediates the relation between attachment trauma and maternal self‐efficacy, with emotional support as a moderator. Participants were 278 first‐time mothers of infants under 14 months. Cross‐sectional data were collected online. Mothers completed questionnaires on attachment trauma, maternal self‐efficacy, postpartum depression, and emotional support. A moderated mediation model was tested in a structural equation modeling framework using Mplus’ estimate of indirect effects. Postpartum depression fully mediated the relation between trauma and maternal self‐efficacy. Emotional support moderated only the pathway between postpartum depression and maternal self‐efficacy. Attachment trauma's implications for maternal self‐efficacy should be understood in the context of overall mental health. Mothers at the greatest risk for low maternal self‐efficacy related to attachment trauma also are those suffering from postpartum depression. Emotional support buffered mothers from postpartum depression, though, which has implications for intervention and future research.
Highlights
Maternal self-efficacy predicts sensitive and responsive caregiving
This study provides data demonstrating that distress stemming from traumatic experiences with attachment figures is problematic for mothers’ confidence in their ability to adequately parent their children
This study found that the way attachment trauma affects maternal self-efficacy is through its larger impact on a mother’s mental health
Summary
Maternal self-efficacy predicts sensitive and responsive caregiving. Low maternal self-efficacy is associated with a higher incidence of postpartum depression. This study proposed a model in which postpartum depression mediates the relation between attachment trauma and maternal self-efficacy, with emotional support as a moderator. Maternal self-efficacy is conceptualized as the perception a mother holds regarding her ability to be an effective, reliable caregiver (Bandura, 1982; Jones & Prinz, 2005) and has been examined in relation to the experience of traumatic events, postpartum depression and social support (Cutrona & Troutman, 1986; Kohlhoff & Barnett, 2013; Teti & Gelfand, 1991; Wells-Parker, Miller, & Topping, 1990). We propose postpartum depression as a mediating factor between attachment trauma and maternal self-efficacy, and emotional support as a buffer against the effects of attachment trauma (for a conceptual model, see Figure 1)
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