The depressed mother as a source of stimulation for her infant

Abstract

Compared a group of 25 postpartum depressed mothers and 25 control mothers with respect to the level and quality of stimulation they provided for their newborn infants during a feeding session. Observer measures of maternal behavior included visual, auditory and kinesthetic stimulation and levels of unconditional positive regard. Results did not indicate any differences between the two groups in levels of stimulation. However, depressed mothers provided significantly lower levels of unconditional positive regard and exhibited less continuity of rocking behavior with their infants. A post hoc analysis that compared the extremes of the two S groups (N = 22) revealed significant differences in gazing behavior, with more depressed mothers gazing less at their infant's faces. Depressed mothers exhibited significantly lower levels of marital adjustment and had more extensive postpartum concerns. Contrary to expectations, no relationship was demonstrated between level of marital adjustment and maternal behavior toward the infant.