Disrupted caregiving behavior as a mediator of the relation between disrupted prenatal maternal representations and toddler social–emotional functioning. (2nd August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Guyon-Harris, Katherine L.; Ahlfs-Dunn, Sarah M.; Madigan, Sheri; Bronfman, Elisa; Benoit, Diane; Huth-Bocks, Alissa C.
• Is Part Of: Development and psychopathology. Volume 34:Number 3(2022)
• Page Start: 755
• Page End: 763
• Publication Date: 2022-08-02
• Subjects: disrupted -- maternal behavior -- prenatal representations -- toddler social-emotional functioning -- transmission; Child psychopathology -- Periodicals; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 618.9289
• DOI: 10.1017/S0954579420001674
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-5794

Abstract

Abstract: The development of maternal representations of the child during pregnancy guides a mother's thoughts, feelings, and behavior toward her child. The association between prenatal representations, particularly those that are disrupted, and toddler social-emotional functioning is not well understood. The present study examined associations between disrupted prenatal representations and toddler social-emotional functioning and to test disrupted maternal behavior as a mediator of this association. Data were drawn from 109 women from a larger prospective longitudinal study ( N =120) of women and their young children. Prenatal disrupted maternal representations were assessed using the Working Model of the Child Interview disrupted coding scheme, while disrupted maternal behavior was coded 12-months postpartum from mother-infant interactions. Mother-reported toddler social-emotional functioning was assessed at ages 12 and 24 months. Disrupted prenatal representations significantly predicted poorer toddler social-emotional functioning at 24 months, controlling for functioning at 12 months. Further, disrupted maternal behavior mediated the relation between disrupted prenatal representations and toddler social-emotional problems. Screening for disrupted representations during pregnancy is needed to facilitate referrals to early intervention and decrease the likelihood of toddler social-emotional problems.