Context processing as a moderator of the association between posttraumatic stress symptoms and the adaptation of maternal sensitivity following stress related to separation

Abstract We aimed to assess the moderating role of context processing (i.e., context‐encoding and ‐memory) in the association between maternal posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and the changes in maternal sensitivity in reaction to a separation from their toddler. Thirty‐one mothers and their toddlers participated in the study in Switzerland. Mothers reported their current PTSS and performed a context processing task where they had to recognize contexts that they had previously seen paired with emotional faces. Maternal sensitivity was assessed during free play with their child and following a 3‐min separation and was coded using the CARE‐Index. A ratio score was calculated to assess the change in maternal sensitivity. Although the recognition of contexts previously associated with angry faces did not significantly moderate the relationship between maternal PTSS and the changes in maternal sensitivity, the recognition of contexts previously associated with neutral faces did. More PTSS led to a greater improvement of maternal sensitivity for mothers who had a better recognition of such contexts. This may be due to the ambiguity of neutral faces, which individuals with PTSS tend to focus on more closely, potentially due to their hypervigilance. Enhancing context processing may therefore help mothers use vigilance to improve sensitive caregiving.