What is it about?

The aim of our review was to test whether the results of the research conducted since 1981 allow determining the impact of maternal depression on the child attachment style. 29 studies meeting the inclusion criteria show that after so many years of scientific research, this influence is still not clearly defined. Our systematic review indicates that depression had a significant influence on the attachment style almost only when diagnosed by structured interview: depression measured by self-descriptive questionnaires was unrelated to the attachment style. Further studies in this area should take into account the time point for measuring depression and any possible confounding factors (i.e. breastfeeding), and adopt a multifactorial and prospective approach.

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Why is it important?

1. This systematic review clarifies the link between maternal depression and attachment security 2. Major depression increases the risk of an insecure attachment style. 3. Depression appears to affect attachment style only when examined by structured interview. 4. Postnatal depression influences attachment style when measured up to six months postpartum. 5. Maternal care and emotional availability are more important than the presence of depressed mood. 6. The distinction between major depression and depressed mood is crucial for further studies.

Perspectives

A systematic review has allowed me to look at the impact of depression in a broader way. People with depression differ and the impact of co-occurring factors plays a decisive role. The measurement method also seems to be a very important factor in many studies.

Andrzej Śliwerski
University of Łódź

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This page is a summary of: The Effect of Maternal Depression on Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, April 2020, MDPI AG,
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082675.
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