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Study Links Postpartum Depression to Sixth-Grade Child Difficulties, Highlighting Bonding's Role

Research shows early mother-infant bonding mediates over a third of postpartum depression's long-term impact on children's psychosocial health.

Based on the collected data, 17.1% of mothers exhibited postpartum depressive symptoms, which aligned with the national prevalence rates in Japan. Credit: Neuroscience News
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Overview

  • A Shinshu University study found 17.1% of mothers experienced postpartum depressive symptoms, mirroring national rates in Japan.
  • Secure mother-to-infant bonding was shown to mediate 34.6% of the long-term effects of postpartum depression on child emotional and behavioral outcomes.
  • The study analyzed 245 mother-child pairs from Okaya, Japan, using validated tools to assess maternal depression, bonding quality, and child psychosocial difficulties.
  • Male children were found to be more vulnerable, exhibiting greater difficulties in conduct and attention-related domains compared to females.
  • Researchers advocate for bonding-focused interventions and enhanced postpartum mental health screening to mitigate long-term developmental risks.