Intergenerational Effects of the Mother’s History of Neglect and Parental Bonding on Her Postpartum Bonding

Abstract Early maternal life experiences, such as childhood maltreatment (CM) can disrupt her parental bonding and future ability to form a healthy bond with her infant. This study of thirty-eight postpartum Hispanic mothers aimed to explore the intergenerational effects of maternal retrospective self-reported history of CM, particularly emotional and physical neglect (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-CTQ), perception of parental bonding (PBI) and postpartum bonding PBQ with her infant. Correlational analysis examined associations among variables and linear regression models examined the predictive value of CM, PBI, considering demographic covariates, with PBQ. Greater emotional and physical neglect were associated with lower PBI-parental care for both mother and father. Furthermore, emotional neglect was a consistent predictor of PBQ, higher neglect related to lower quality mother-infant relationships (more rejection, anger and infant focused anxiety). Higher maternal gestational age was associated with more favorable bonding outcomes. These findings underscore the lasting impact of emotional neglect on perceived parental bonding and maternal bonding capacities in the postpartum period. These results support the need for trauma-informed perinatal care and early screening of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to prevent child maltreatment in Hispanic populations.