Maternal-fetal Attachment Research Articles

The relation between social support, anxiety and distress symptoms and maternal fetal attachment

Objective: The aims of this study were to: (1) examine the relation between social support, trait anxiety, symptoms of maternal distress (including stress, depression and anxiety) and maternal–fetal attachment; and (2) to determine if social support buffers the relation between trait anxiety, symptoms of distress and maternal–fetal attachment.Design: Ninety-four pregnant women completed five self-report questions. Two hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the influence of trait anxiety, symptoms of distress, and social support on two factors of maternal–fetal attachment, quality and intensity/frequency.Results: In the first model with the dependent measure as the maternal–fetal attachment quality score, trait anxiety (β = –.24, p < .05) and social support (β = .30, p < .01) were significant predictors, accounting for 18% of the variance. In the second model with the dependent measure as the maternal–fetal attachment intensity/frequency score, trait anxiety (β = –.23, p < .05) and social support (β = .32, p < .01) were significant predictors, accounting for 23% of the variance. In addition, the interaction term contributed a significant 4% of the variance, indicating that when social support is high, the relation between anxiety and maternal–fetal attachment intensity/frequency is attenuated.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that prenatal attachment is related to trait anxiety and social support. These findings suggest that interventions to decrease anxiety and increase social support could enhance maternal–fetal attachment.

Maternal-Fetal Attachment and its Sociodemographic Determinants in Women With Unplanned Pregnancy

Objectives: Attachment to the fetus is formed before the birth and stronger prenatal maternal-fetal attachment is related to more desirable prenatal and postpartum behaviors and cares as well as better acceptance of the parenting role. Therefore, this study aimed to determine maternal-fetal attachment and its socio-demographic determinants among women with an unplanned pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted on a convenience sample of 200 women with unplanned pregnancies attending the maternity clinic of Alavi hospital (Ardebil, Iran) during 2016-2017. To collect the data, a socio-demographic questionnaire and the maternal-fetal attachment scale (MFAS) were completed through the interviews. Data were analyzed using independent t tests, one-way ANOVA, and the general linear model. Results: The mean (standard deviation) of maternal-fetal attachment score in women with an unplanned pregnancy was 79.2 (11.2) ranging from 23 to 115. The mean attachment score was significantly higher in women with a mistimed pregnancy [83.5 (9.0)] than in those with an unwanted pregnancy [72.9 (11.0)]. The highest and lowest mean scores were observed in the "interaction with the fetus" [14.2 (3.3)] and the "role-taking" [9.2 (3.0)] sub-domains, respectively. Based on the general linear model, only the type of unplanned pregnancy (mistimed or unwanted) indicated a significant relationship with maternal-fetal attachment (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the results, the type of unplanned pregnancy had a significant association with maternal-fetal attachment. Moreover, mothers with unwanted pregnancies needed greater counseling and support compared to those with mistimed pregnancies.

The relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy in Iranian women: a prospective study

Introduction: This prospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy. Maternal self-efficacy contributes significantly to the mental health of the mother and infant. Maternal–fetal attachment facilitates maternal role attainment and might improve maternal self-efficacy.Methods: This study was conducted on 242 women. The data collection tools used included a socio-demographic and obstetric questionnaire, Cranley’s Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale. A multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the extent to which maternal–fetal attachment affects maternal self-efficacy.Results: Pearson’s correlation test showed a moderate but significant positive correlation between maternal–fetal attachment and self-efficacy (r = 0.48, P < 0.001). The highest correlation with self-efficacy was observed in the domain of ‘differentiation of self from fetus’ (r = 0.43) and the lowest in the domain of ‘giving of self’ (r = 0.25). According to the multivariate linear regression, the domain of ‘Interaction with fetus’ had a significant relationship with maternal self-efficacy (P = 0.009).Conclusion: Maternal–fetal attachment would appear to be a factor related to postpartum maternal self-efficacy which suggests identifying and supporting women with low self-efficacy may increase maternal–fetal attachment and thereby maternal self-efficacy.

The Influence of Pregnant Women’s Attachment to Mother on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

The Influence of Pregnant Women’s Attachment to Mother on Maternal-Fetal Attachment

Reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale.

In understanding early disturbances in the mother-child relationship, maternal-fetal attachment has become an important concept. To date no study has investigated the reliability and validity of the German version of the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The present study aimed to close this gap. Questionnaires were completed in a sample of 324 women [third trimester (T1), first week postpartum (T2), and 4months postpartum (T3)]. In addition to the MFAS (T1), the following measures were assessed: the questionnaire of partnership (T1), the postpartum bonding questionnaire (T2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (T1-T3), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (T1-T3), and the pregnancy related anxiety questionnaire (T1-T3). Factor structure was analyzed using a principal component analysis (PCA) with varimax rotation. Internal and convergent validities were calculated. In contrast to the original version with five subscales, PCA yielded a three-factor solution, consisting of the three independent dimensions "anticipation", "empathy", and "caring", explaining 34.9% of the variance together. Good internal reliabilities were found for the total MFAS scale. Maternal-fetal attachment showed a significant negative correlation with postpartum bonding impairment. While no correlations were found with depression, general anxiety and pregnancy-related anxiety during pregnancy, maternal-fetal attachment was significantly related to aspects of partnership quality. In the postpartum period, maternal attachment showed a strong negative correlation with maternal anxiety. Our results suggest that the German version of the MFAS is a reliable and valid questionnaire to measure the emotional relationship of the mother to the unborn child during pregnancy.

Physical Health and Maternal-Fetal Attachment among Women: Planned Versus Unplanned Pregnancy

Physical Health and Maternal-Fetal Attachment among Women: Planned Versus Unplanned Pregnancy

Comparison of the Effects of Attachment and Relaxation Instruction on the Third Trimester Depression and Post-partum Blues

Aims: This study was conducted to compare the effects of attachment and relaxation instruction on the third trimester depression and post-partum blues.Methods: Randomized controlled trial in three arms (teaching relaxation, maternal-fetal attachment skills and control) of 42 women each among 126 nulliparous women in a selected educational center (Hafez) affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran from January 2012 to February 2012. The patients filled out the demographic data sheet, Cranley maternal-fetal attachment test questionnaire, Beck depression questionnaire, Spilberger anxiety and written consent Questionnaires.Results: The mean and standard deviation of the Beck depression test scores after the intervention were 20.5±3/10, 21.1±3.8, and 23.2±3.8 for the attachment, relaxation, and control group, respectively. The changes were statistically significant according to the one-way ANOVA test (P= 0.002). The post-hoc test was statistically significant for the decrease in the depression groups after delivery in the attachment (P = 0.01) and relaxation group (P = 0.01).The reduction in the depression scores before, and after the intervention in the attachment (P=0.001) and relaxation group (P = 0.002) was significant based on paired-t-test results. However, the control group showed an increase in the depression scores which were statistically significant (P= 0.04).Conclusions: Prenatal educational program based on attachment and relaxation training can improve maternal identity role and reduce maternal depression. This study showed that preventing post-partum depression by simple, available and cost beneficial training programs skills.

The Effects of Fetal Movements Counting on Maternal-Fetal Attachment: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction: With the decrease in fetal activity, the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes increases and timely reporting by mother may decrease the risk of fetal death. There are conflicting reports about the impact of fetal movement counting on maternal-fetal attachment and this study is trying to address this issue. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of fetal movements counting on maternal-fetal attachment. Materials and Methods: In a randomised controlled trial from October 2012 to December 2013, 250 nulliparous women referred to Health Centers to receive the prenatal care. The Ultrasound screening was performed in 16th-18th weeks of gestation and multiple pregnancy and fetal malformations were excluded (n=4). Thirty-eight of participants did not return the baseline questionnaire and 208 women were randomly allocated into the two groups to either fetal movement counting or to standard antenatal care. Main outcome was maternal-fetal attachment, measured by the Prenatal Attachment Inventory. The analysis was performed by SPSS and p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: No difference was found between the groups with respect to individual characteristics. At 28 weeks of gestation, the mean scores given to Prenatal Attachment Inventory items, was 90.23±9.64 in the intervention group and 90.00±10.04 in the control group and the difference was not significant (Mean difference=0.230, p=0.866). Also, no significant difference was found at 37 weeks of gestation between the two groups (93.75±7.59 vs 92.78±9.90 respectively, mean difference=0.961, p=0.433). Conclusion: The counting of fetal movements by mother from 28 to 37 weeks of gestation did not affect the maternal-fetal attachment in nulliparous women. The investigation of fetal movement counting on psychological factors of mother was suggested. © 2018, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.

A Review of the Importance of Maternal-fetal Attachment According to the Islamic Recommendations

Background & aim: Maternal-fetal attachment has an important effect on mother's identity as well as maternal and fetal health. Moreover, this concept is considered as a crucial issue for the improvement of children emotional development. Regarding the Islamic recommendations on maternal-fetal attachment and its correlation with maternal affection, this study was conducted to review the importance of maternal-fetal attachment according to the Islamic recommendations. Methods: This review was conducted on the religious texts, which covered the subject of interest and were published within 2000-2017. Various databases including Medline, PubMed, Google, IranMedex, SID, and Magiran as well as the websites of Muslim authorities (i.e., the section responding to religious questions) were searched. The searching was carried out using keywords as: “Islamic religious teachings”, “pregnant women and Fatwa of the Islamic jurists”, and “aspects of maternal fetal attachment in Islam”. Results: According to the results of the reviewed texts, the mutual readiness of mother and fetus leads to the improvement of their affection. The maternal factors affecting the maternal-neonatal attachment included personality traits, marriage, selection of partner, post-marriage issues, pregnancy, as well as physical and psychological characteristics. There were also some effective factors on the newborn’s innate readiness for the development of attachment, such as fetal appearance, family and social support, maternal nutrition during pregnancy, and neonatal mood. Conclusion: According to the Holy Quran versus and hadiths, maternal-fetal attachment and its promotion are affected by both maternal and fetal factors. Moreover, following the factors affecting attachment will lead to their role functioning. Therefore, it is intensively recommended to incorporate a glance of Islamic instruction into the pregnancy education to improve the maternal-fetal attachment.

Effects of an Experience-focused Prenatal Program on Stress, Anxiety, Childbirth Confidence, and Maternal-Fetal Attachment on Women in Their First Pregnancy.

To evaluate the effectiveness of an experience-focused prenatal program on stress, anxiety, childbirth confidence, and maternal-fetal attachment for women in their first pregnancy. The participants were 57 pregnant women at 32 weeks or more of a first pregnancy who agreed to participate in this study. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, χ2 test, and Fisher's exact test using the SPSS 21.0 program. The experimental group showed significant differences in stress, anxiety, childbirth confidence, and maternal-fetal attachment from the control group. The four-week experience-focused prenatal program can be used for women in their first pregnancy to reduce their stress and anxiety and to increase their childbirth confidence and maternal- fetal attachment.

The Mediating Effect of Perceived Stress in the Relationships among Mindfulness, Self-compassion, and Maternal-fetal Attachment

The Mediating Effect of Perceived Stress in the Relationships among Mindfulness, Self-compassion, and Maternal-fetal Attachment

A Comparison between the Effect of Education of Fetal Movement Counting during the Second and Third Trimesters on Maternal Fetal Attachment in First Time Pregnant Women

A Comparison between the Effect of Education of Fetal Movement Counting during the Second and Third Trimesters on Maternal Fetal Attachment in First Time Pregnant Women

Maternal attachment style during pregnancy and becoming a mother in Poland

Objective: This paper investigates the connections in pregnant women between their mother attachment style and their self-image as a mother, the image of their mother as a mother, and their bond with the unborn child.Background: The relationship with one’s mother plays a crucial role in the process of becoming a mother. It influences what a pregnant woman thinks about herself as a mother. This relationship is a predictor of the bond with the child during the pregnancy.Methods: This research was participated in by 165 pregnant women. They completed the following: a modified version of the Experiences in Close Relationships (ECR) questionnaire, investigating a mother’s attachment to her own mother; the Adjective Check List (ACL), developed by Gough and Heilbrun; the Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS); and a sociodemographic survey.Results: A mother’s attachment style is connected with the need for autonomy, as measured by the ACL, and with ′assuming a parental role′ in the MFAS questionnaire. The strongest connection was found between a mother’s attachment style and the image of one′s own mother as a mother. Statistically-significant correlations were found for 32 of 37 scales on the ACL.Conclusion: Attachment style exerts influence upon a mother’s self-image, the image of one′s own mother as a mother and the bond with the unborn child.

The Relationship of Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Postpartum Depression: A Longitudinal Study

AimTo determine the relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and postpartum depression. MethodsThis longitudinal study was done on 242 primiparous women in 2016. The data collection tools used included a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale – which was completed at 32–37weeks of pregnancy – and obstetrics information questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale –which was completed at 6–8weeks after birth. A multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the extent to which maternal-fetal attachment affected postpartum depression. ResultsThe mean Maternal-Fetal Attachment score was 90.0 (SD: 10.3) from the attainable score of 23 to 115. The mean depression score was 8.0 (SD: 3.8) from the attainable score of 0 to 30. Pearson's correlation test showed a significant inverse relationship between maternal-fetal attachment and postpartum depression (r=−0.196, p<0.001). The multivariate linear regression model showed that postpartum depression correlated significantly with the mother's age and two dimensions of attachment including differentiation of self from fetus and attributing characteristics to the fetus. ConclusionAccording to the findings, maternal-fetal attachment is one of the factors contributing to postpartum depression. Greater emphasis should be placed on the preparation of pregnant women for accepting their maternal role, so that the maternal-neonatal relationship can be enhanced and postpartum depression thus reduced.

Professional identity; conflict between professional ideologies

Infertility is one of the main stressful events of life and a crisis affecting various dimensions of infertile couples' lives. Relaxation, as a strategy, can be effective in the individuals' resistance to stress and anxiety. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the effect of relaxation on mother's anxiety and maternal–fetal attachment in primiparous women who used In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to get pregnant.In this clinical trial, 80 primiparous women who had used IVF to get pregnant were randomly divided into a control and an intervention group. The intervention group took part in four 90-min relaxation classes in addition to receiving the routine pregnancy care. Anxiety and maternal–fetal attachment were evaluated before and one month after the intervention. Also, maternal–infantile attachment score was computed after delivery. The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS statistical software. Chi-square and independent t-test was used to analyze the data.The results revealed no significant difference between the two groups regarding the mean scores of anxiety and attachment before the intervention. However, a significant difference was observed in this regard after the intervention (41.4 ± 4.1 vs. 51.0 ± 10.4, P < 0.01).The study results showed that relaxation training was effective in reduction of anxiety and increase of maternal–fetal attachment in the women who had used IVF to get pregnant. Although there are other methods for reducing anxiety, relaxing can be used for IVF women due to its ease of use and its wide acceptance.

AN ANALYSIS OF MATERNAL-FETAL ATTACHMENT LEVEL IN PREGNANT WOMEN

This study aims to analyse maternal-fetal attachment levels of pregnant women. The population of the descriptive study consists of pregnant women who consulted Non Stress Test Policlinic of a private hospital and the sample consists of 101 pregnant women who participated in the study willingly. Confirmation of the ethics committee, permission of the institutions and verbal informed consent were obtained. The data were collected via “Questionnaire Form” and “Prenatal Attachment Inventory” with face-to-face interviews and were analyzed on IBM SPSS Statistics version 20. Number, percentage, arithmetic average, independent t test and Pearson Correlation Coefficient were used in the analysis. It was found that the average age for pregnant women was 28,20±4,954, average duration of marriage was 4.67±4.157, average number of pregnancy was 1,82±1,07, average number of delivery was 0,73±0,989, average pregnancy week was 35,88±2,380. It was indicated that 69.3% of the pregnant women were 30 years old and younger, 44.6% had education at university level or higher, 64.4% were not working, 74.3% had good financial status, 92.1% had nuclear family, 94.1% had planned their pregnancy, 74.3% did not experience problems during pregnancy, 61.4% were examined 5 times or more during pregnancy. No statistically significant difference was found between average scores for Prenatal Attachment Inventory of pregnant women and their age, education level, work status, financial status, family type, frequency of health checks, problems experienced during pregnancy and planning of the pregnancy (p>0.05). A weak, positive correlation was found between average scores for prenatal attachment inventory of pregnant women and the number of delivery (p<0.05).The data suggest that the attachment level between mother and fetus is strong in pregnancy; however, significant difference was not found between variables related to mother and average scores for prenatal attachment inventory. A weak, positive correlation was found between average scores for prenatal attachment inventory of pregnant women and the number of delivery (p<0.05). Article DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.20319/lijhls.2017.32.7787 This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ or send a letter to Creative Commons, PO Box 1866, Mountain View, CA 94042, USA.

Effect of the BASNEF Model on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in the Pregnant Women Referring to the Prenatal Clinics Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: Prenatal attachment and positive adaptation with the concept of motherhood play a pivotal role in maternal and fetal health. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the beliefs, attitudes, subjective norms, and enabling factors (BASNEF) model on maternal fetal attachment in the pregnant women referring to prenatal clinics. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 100 nulliparous women in their third pregnancy trimester (36-41 weeks), who referred to the selected prenatal clinics in Shiraz, Iran during 2011-2012. Intervention was performed based on the BASNEF model in six training sessions for 90 minutes. Data collection tools were the Cranley’s maternal-fetal attachment scale and BASNEF model. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 18 using Pearson’s correlation-coefficient, independent t-test, and Chi-square at the significance level of 0.05.Results: After the intervention, a significant difference was observed in the mean score of maternal-fetal attachment in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.001). In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the score of maternal-fetal attachment and enabling factors one month after the training in the intervention group (P=0.039). Conclusion: According to the results, training based on the BASNEF model could increase the maternal-fetal attachment in nulliparous pregnant women and improve the psychological health indicators of the neonates.

Effect of the BASNEF Model on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in the Pregnant Women Referring to the Prenatal Clinics Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Effect of the BASNEF Model on Maternal-Fetal Attachment in the Pregnant Women Referring to the Prenatal Clinics Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Előzetes eredmények egy magyar mintán kidolgozott Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőív méréses tapasztalatairól – pilot study

Elméleti háttér Az 1980-as évektől kutatják az „anyai környezet” magzati fejlődésre gyakorolt hatását, ám az eredmények nem konzekvensek az anya–magzat kapcsolatot befolyásoló tényezőket illetően. Cél Magyar mintán kialakítani egy anya–magzat kapcsolatot mérő kérdőívet, valamint feltárni az intrauterin kötődésben meghatározó szerepet játszó jellegzetességeket. Módszerek 114, 15 és 38 gesztációs hét közötti várandós anya vett részt a kutatásban, kitöltve az Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőívet, a Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale magyar változatát (MFAS-HU), az Intimitás és a Szülői Bánásmód Kérdőívet. Eredmények A kialakított 28 tételes Intrauterin Kapcsolati Kérdőív (IUKK) faktorstruktúrája illeszkedési mutatókban az elvárások alatt marad (RMSEA = 0,08; χ2/df = 1,645; NFI = 0,85; CFI = 0,87). A 8 alskála Cronbach-alfa értékei 0,56–0,93 közöttiek. Explorátoros faktorelemezéssel sikerült egy jó kommunalitási tulajdonságokkal rendelkező rövidebb modellt kialakítani (IUKK–R), amely 12 tételt és 3 alskálát tartalmaz (RMSEA = 0,08; χ2/df = 1,660; NFI = 0,95; CFI = 0,96). Az IUKK–R Cronbach-alfa értékei magasak: 0,81–0,93. Elemzéseinkhez az IUKK–R modellt használtuk. Kérdőívünk korrelál az MFAS–HU-val, ugyanakkor a megragadott magzati kötődés dimenzióik nem teljesen átfedőek. A nemzetközi tapasztalatokkal nagyjából összhangban, az anya–magzat kapcsolat erősségében szignifikánsan magasabb értéket ér el az anya, ha bármelyik tényező jellemzi: házasságban él; magasabb az anyagi hozzájárulása a családi kasszához; nem volt korábban spontán vetélése, ő maga beavatkozástól mentesen, természetes módon született; biztosan tudja, vagy nem tudja a magzat nemét. Nem befolyásol a várandósság ideje, az iskolai végzettség, a várandósság tervezettsége, a fogantatás módja, a meglévő gyermekek száma és a magzatmozgás észlelése. A magzati kötődés összefügg a párkapcsolati intimitással: az észlelt gondoskodás kedvezőbb, míg az észlelt kontroll kedvezőtlenebb anya–magzat kötődéssel jár együtt. Az anya saját szüleivel való kapcsolatának megélése, az anyai és apai szeretet, pozitívan korrelál a saját magzatához fűződő kapcsolattal. Következtetések A magyar mintára kidolgozott kérdőív megbízhatósága ígéretes, de szükségesek további validitásvizsgálatok, nagyobb, heterogén mintán. Tapasztalataink felhívják a figyelmet a szülői bánásmód és a párkapcsolati gondoskodás jelentőségére a várandósság időszakában és gyakorlati relevanciával bírnak a prevenciós munkában.

Psychometric properties of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire and correlates of mother–infant bonding impairment in Italian new mothers

Objectiveimpaired maternal bonding is a risk factor for problems with infant well-being and development. The investigation of perinatal variables related to disorders of the mother–infant relationship as well as the administration of reliable and valid screening tools to new mothers in the postpartum can help identify early signs of a disturbed mother–child relationship. The Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) has been shown to be a valid screening instrument, but its dimensional structure is still controversial. An analysis of the literature demonstrated the need for research into the perinatal correlates of the quality of mother-newborn bonding as measured by the PBQ, and for information about the reliability and validity of the Italian version of the questionnaire. Aimto (a) carry out preliminary analysis of the psychometric properties of an Italian version of the PBQ and (b) explore how mother–infant disturbances are related to relevant perinatal psychological variables. Designthe research design consisted of a prenatal and a postnatal phase. Settingprenatal education classes delivered in public and private institutions. Participants123 pregnant Italian women were recruited from prenatal education classes. Measurementsin the prenatal period participants completed a questionnaire measuring maternal-fetal attachment; at the postnatal assessment (3 months postpartum) participants completed the Italian PBQ together with measures of mother–infant attachment, the couple's adjustment and maternal psychological well-being. Exploratory factor analysis was used to investigate the factor structure of the PBQ. Internal consistencies were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha. Nomological validity was assessed via Pearson correlations. Findingsa three-factor model provided the most meaningful representation of the PBQ data, with one factor reflecting annoyance and anger towards the infant, another reflecting detachment and rejection and the third reflecting anxiety about infant care. Internal consistencies were good. Impaired mother-infant bonding was negatively correlated with prenatal and postnatal mother–infant attachment and couple adjustment, as well as being positively correlated with maternal depressive symptoms. Key conclusions and implications for practicethe Italian PBQ is a reliable, valid screening instrument and can be used for research, including transcultural comparisons in perinatal psychiatry. It can also be used clinically to detect signs of a disordered mother–child relationship. Knowledge of the variables generally associated with mother-infant bonding problems combined with data from postpartum administration of the PBQ could be used in midwifery to develop preventive programmes based on the specific needs of new mothers.