1
|
Wells MB, Giannotti M, Aronson O. Partner and professional support are associated with father-infant bonding: A cross-sectional analysis of mothers, midwives, and child health nurses' influence on primiparous and multiparous fathers of infants in Sweden. Midwifery 2024; 136:104076. [PMID: 38941781 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2024.104076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess if received professional and social support are associated with father-infant bonding among primiparous (first-time) and multiparous (multi-time) fathers. BACKGROUND Early father-infant bonding predicts several positive child outcomes. However, while received professional and social support positively impacts fathers' transition into parenthood, little research has tested if these factors are associated with a stronger father-infant bond. METHODS In total, 499 fathers (296 primiparous and 203 multiparous) of infants (aged 0-12 months) completed a cross-sectional online survey between November 2018 and March 2020. The survey included items related to socio-demographics, having a planned pregnancy, postnatal midwifery support, child health nurse support, child health center attendance, and social support. The parent-infant bonding questionnaire (PBQ) was used to assess the father-infant bond. Multiple linear regression models were estimated for the total sample and based on paternal parity. Missing data were managed through multiple imputation procedures. FINDINGS Fathers reported fewer bonding disturbances if they received support from their partners, postnatal midwives, child health nurses, and attended more child health visits. Primiparous fathers reported fewer bonding disturbances when receiving support from their partners, postnatal midwives, and the child health nurse. However, multiparous fathers had more bonding disturbances than primiparous fathers and received less professional and partner support. CONCLUSIONS Receiving more partner and professional support is associated with less father-infant bonding disturbances. To encourage a better father-infant bond, clinicians should invite and support all fathers, regardless of parity, as they transition to parenthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Wells
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Michele Giannotti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Olov Aronson
- Department of Social and Psychological Studies, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lindeberg S, Tedgård E, Kerstis B, Tedgård U, Taylor A, Jönsson P. Development of the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale: Validation in Swedish Mothers and Fathers in Community and Clinical Contexts. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01699-x. [PMID: 38758484 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01699-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Valid measurement instruments are needed to investigate the impact of parental bonding on child health development. The aim was to develop and validate a self-report questionnaire, the Parent-to-Infant Bonding Scale (PIBS) to measure bonding in both mothers and fathers. Internal consistency and construct validity were analysed using data from Swedish parents from both clinical (N = 182), and community (N = 122) population samples. Overall, good or acceptable internal consistency of the PIBS appeared. Convergent validity (against the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, analysed in the clinical sample) and discriminant validity (against the mental health constructs of depressive symptoms and anxiety) were demonstrated. The results support the PIBS as a measure of maternal and paternal bonding in community and clinical populations. Assessments of criterion validity in these populations are desirable. The similarities in PIBS measurement properties between the parent groups suggest its usefulness for comparisons between mothers and fathers, and for future investigations of unique and interactive impacts of maternal and paternal bonding on child outcomes using community and clinical cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Lindeberg
- Department of Health Sciences, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
- Scania Regional Council, Department for Regional Development, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Eva Tedgård
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Skåne University Hospital, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Infant and Toddler Unit, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Kerstis
- Division of Caring Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Ulf Tedgård
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Paediatrics, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Alyx Taylor
- Department of Health Sciences, Child and Family Health, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, AECC University College, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Peter Jönsson
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Education, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Alnuaimi N, Snedden T. A Concept Analysis of Paternal Bonding With Prematurely Born Infants. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:151-161. [PMID: 38547482 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal bonding in infancy has long been the focus of research and practice. Despite emerging evidence highlighting the importance of paternal bonding, little attention has been focused on fathers. Simultaneously, there is little clarity regarding possible differences between bonding and attachment. PURPOSE This article aims to clarify the concept of paternal bonding with infants born prematurely. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY Using Walker and Avant's approach to concept analysis, we selected databases and searched them for relevant studies published between 2012 and 2022. We identified 28 articles that (1) defined bonding specific to fathers of infants born prematurely, (2) were peer-reviewed, and (3) were in English. From the articles, we extracted and analyzed data specific to concept definitions, antecedents, and consequences. RESULTS Regarding paternal bonding with infants born prematurely, our analyses of the 28 studies yielded a conceptual definition of this topic that extends beyond the commonly used definition emphasizing emotional connection. The newly formulated definition covers the cognitive, behavioral, and dynamic, as well as emotional, attributes of bonding. We identify and discuss antecedents and consequences of bonding. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Our findings led to a consistent conceptual definition of the bonding phenomenon in question. The definition should serve as a conceptual basis for future guidelines governing clinical practice and research. Through our findings, nurses can better understand and promote paternal bonding with infants born prematurely. Finally, our findings can improve researchers' exploration of this topic.
Collapse
|
4
|
Suzuki T, Nishigori T, Obara T, Mori M, Sakurai K, Ishikuro M, Hamada H, Saito M, Sugawara J, Arima T, Metoki H, Kuriyama S, Goto A, Yaegashi N, Nishigori H. Factors associated with new onset of father-to-infant bonding failure from 1 to 6 months postpartum: an adjunct study of the Japan environment and children's study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1603-1624. [PMID: 37271773 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the factors associated with new onset father-to-infant (paternal) bonding failure from 1 to 6 months postpartum. METHODS This was a prospective birth-cohort study. Paternal bonding failure was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J) at 1 and 6 months postpartum. For cut-off scores, overall bonding failure, MIBS-J total scores ≥ 5; subscale for lack of affection, MIBS-J_LA scores ≥ 3; and subscale for anger/rejection, MIBS-J_AR scores ≥ 3 were used in this study. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze relative variables. RESULTS We analyzed 872 fathers. The frequency of new-onset overall bonding failure, lack of affection, and anger/rejection was 5.6%, 4.9%, and 6.3%, respectively. For new-onset overall bonding failure, significant associated factors were paternal childcare leave (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.192; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.203-8.469), paternal new-onset depression symptoms (AOR 3.181; 95% Cl 1.311-7.716), and maternal new-onset overall bonding failure (AOR 4.595; 95% Cl 1.119-18.866). For new-onset lack of affection, significant associated factors were preterm birth (AOR 4.189; 95% Cl 1.473-11.913) and paternal new-onset depression symptoms (AOR 3.290; 95% Cl 1.294-8.362). For new-onset anger and rejection, significant associated factors were paternal childcare leave (AOR 3.142; 95% Cl 1.138-8.676), paternal new-onset depression symptoms (AOR 2.829; 95% Cl 1.133-7.068), and maternal new-onset anger/rejection (AOR 7.064; 95% Cl 2.300-21.700). CONCLUSIONS The factors associated with new-onset paternal bonding failure from 1 to 6 months postpartum were paternal childcare leave, preterm birth, paternal postpartum depression symptoms, and maternal bonding failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taeko Suzuki
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Midwifery and Maternal Nursing, Fukushima Medical University School of Nursing, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Toshie Nishigori
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Taku Obara
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Miyuki Mori
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
- Department of Midwifery and Maternal Nursing, Fukushima Medical University School of Nursing, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kasumi Sakurai
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Mami Ishikuro
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hamada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Junichi Sugawara
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
- Suzuki Memorial Hospital, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Arima
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Shinichi Kuriyama
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
- International Research Institute for Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Aya Goto
- Center for Integrated Science and Humanities, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Nobuo Yaegashi
- Environment and Genome Research Center, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
- Tohoku Medical Megabank Organization, Tohoku University, Miyagi, Japan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Nishigori
- Department of Development and Environmental Medicine, Fukushima Medical Center for Children and Women, Fukushima Medical University Graduate School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdel-Latif ME. Editorial for Special Issue "Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Health". Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2461. [PMID: 37685495 PMCID: PMC10487793 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11172461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The maternal, foetal, and neonatal health field has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, driven by cutting-edge research and innovative technologies [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed E. Abdel-Latif
- Department of Neonatology, Centenary Hospital for Women and Children, Canberra Hospital, Garran, Canberra, ACT 2606, Australia; ; Tel.: +61-2-6174-7565
- Department of Public Health, College of Science Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia
- Discipline of Neonatology, School of Medicine and Psychology, College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Acton, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Waal N, van den Heuvel MI, Nyklíček I, Pop VJM, Boekhorst MGBM. Paternal bonding in pregnancy and early parenthood: a qualitative study in first-time fathers. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37650726 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2023.2252890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The birth of an infant marks a period of profound change in first-time parents. Parental love and warmth, however, already begin to develop during pregnancy. Also for fathers, the development of bonding to the infant may be a unique process. The current qualitative study aimed to explore views and experiences of first-time fathers on the origins and development of paternal bonding during pregnancy and early childhood. In total, 30 in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with expectant fathers (second or third trimester of pregnancy; n = 10) and fathers of infants (0-6 months postpartum; n = 11) and toddlers (2-3 years of age; n = 9). Two major themes were uncovered from the data: feelings of bonding and facilitators of bonding. The first theme was supported with three subthemes: 1) from abstract to concrete, 2) positive emotions, and 3) uncertainties and worries. The second theme, facilitators of bonding, was supported with four subthemes: 1) experiencing the foetus, 2) meeting the child, 3) interaction, and 4) communication. Similar to previous studies, our results suggested that, in most fathers, paternal bonding originates in pregnancy and that it evolves over time. Seeing or feeling the child, both during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as interacting or communicating with the child, appears to facilitate fathers' feelings of bonding. Involving fathers in pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting may be essential for their bonding process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noor de Waal
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | - Ivan Nyklíček
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Victor J M Pop
- Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Svendsrud H, Fredriksen E, Moe V, Smith L, Tsotsi S, Ullebø AK, Brean GV, Kaasen A, Bekkhus M. Becoming Dad: Expectant Fathers' Attachment Style and Prenatal Representations of the Unborn Child. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1187. [PMID: 37508684 PMCID: PMC10377903 DOI: 10.3390/children10071187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
How expectant fathers think and feel about the unborn child (prenatal representations), has shown associations with fathers' postnatal parenting behaviors, observed father-infant interactional quality and child cognitive development. There is limited knowledge about fathers' prenatal representations. The present study examined if fathers' partner-related attachment styles were related to their prenatal representations of the unborn child. In the "Little in Norway Study", an ongoing prospective, longitudinal population-based study, 396 expectant fathers completed the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale at enrollment (mean gestational week = 23.76, SD = 4.93), and in gestational weeks 27-35 completed three questions assessing prenatal representations. Correlations of attachment style and prenatal representations were reported using logistic regression analyses. We found that an avoidant attachment style by fathers were predicted to have absent or negative representations on all three items (1) "strongest feeling about the unborn child" (Cl = 1.19-2.73), (2) "thoughts about child personality" (Cl = 1.16-1.87), and (3) "experiences of relationship with the child" (Cl = 1.14-1.75). Father anxious attachment style was not significantly associated with absent or negative prenatal representations. Results suggest that expectant fathers with a partner related avoidant attachment style have an increased risk of having absent or negative prenatal representations of the unborn child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hedvig Svendsrud
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, 3103 Tønsberg, Norway
| | | | - Vibeke Moe
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stella Tsotsi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Gro Vatne Brean
- Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Southern and Eastern Norway, 0484 Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Kaasen
- Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Mona Bekkhus
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, 0373 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Baba K, Kataoka Y, Kitamura T. Identifying Core Items of the Japanese Version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale for Diagnosing Postpartum Bonding Disorder. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1740. [PMID: 37372858 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11121740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Japanese version of the mother-to-infant bonding scale (MIBS-J), a self-report of postpartum bonding disorder, is used in clinical settings for screening postpartum bonding disorder at various time points. However, its psychometric properties, particularly measurement invariance, have rarely been reported, and the validity of comparing scores across time points and sex is unclear. We aimed to select and validate the MIBS-J items suitable for parents at three time points. Postpartum mothers (n = 543) and fathers (n = 350) were surveyed at 5 days, 1 month, and 4 months postpartum. All participants were randomly divided into two subgroups, one for exploratory factor analyses (EFAs) and another for confirmatory factor analyses. Measurement invariance of the best model was tested using the entire sample, between fathers and mothers, and across the three observation periods. A three-item structure (items 1, 6, and 8) extracted through EFAs showed acceptable configural invariance. This model was accepted for scalar invariance between fathers and mothers and for metric invariance across the three time points. Our findings suggest that the three-item MIBS-J is sufficient for diagnosis of postpartum parental bonding disorder through continuous observation for at least 4 postpartum months, in order to detect the priority of parents who need support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaori Baba
- Research Center for Social Science & Medicine, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan
| | - Yaeko Kataoka
- Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan
| | - Toshinori Kitamura
- Kitamura Institute of Mental Health Tokyo, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- Kitamura KOKORO Clinic Mental Health, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- T. and F. Kitamura Foundation for Studies and Skill Advancement in Mental Health, Tokyo 151-0063, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| |
Collapse
|