THE CONNECTION BETWEEN MATERNAL DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND MATERNAL INSENSITIVITY: THE MEDIATING OR MODERATING ROLE OF MATERNAL PERCEPTION OF THE INFANT

Abstract

Maternal insensitivity is associated with many developmental outcomes. The link between maternal depressive symptoms and maternal insensitivity is well documented. In addition, the literature supports a link between (a) maternal depressive symptoms and maternal perception of the infant and (b) maternal perception of the infant and maternal insensitivity. However, the role of maternal perception of the infant as a potential mediator or moderator of the link between maternal depressive symptoms and maternal insensitivity has not been evaluated. 150 first time, economically stressed mothers with temperamentally irritable infants from the Washington DC Metropolitan area participated. No significant links between maternal depressive symptoms, maternal perception of the infant and maternal insensitivity emerged.