Longitudinal associations between maternal negative birth experience, mother-child bonding, and child emotional-behavioral problems: Findings from two cohort studies

BACKGROUND: A negative maternal birth experience can influence mother-child bonding, which in turn may influence children's emotional-behavioral development. This study examined these longitudinal associations across two cohort studies. METHODS: ). Structural equation modeling tested associations. RESULTS: : β = 0.13-0.20, p < .022; DREAM partners: β = 0.15-0.17, p < .003). Small indirect effects of negative birth experience on conduct and hyperactivity-inattention problems through bonding were observed only in the German sample (DREAM mothers and partners: β = 0.02-0.03, p < .043). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that negative birth experiences may predict emotional-behavioral problems primarily through bonding difficulties. Promoting positive and empowering birth experiences, alongside early identification and support for bonding difficulties, may represent promising targets for preventive efforts aimed at improving child developmental outcomes.