Oxytocin and the Dynamics in Mother-Infant Synchrony in Postpartum Depression

The present study examines how intranasal oxytocin influences mother-infant synchrony in mothers with postpartum depression (PPD). Although previous research has linked oxytocin to PPD, causal effects remain unclear. This project employs a double-blind, randomized controlled, within-subject design. Mothers complete two sessions with their infants: One administering intranasal oxytocin and one with a placebo spray, presented in counterbalanced order. During each session, mothers participate in a 10-minute, videotaped play interaction with their infants, and complete questionnaires. Mother–infant synchrony will be quantified using a validated global rating scale, scored across the entire 10-minute interaction to capture the overall quality of dyadic coordination. From each video three minutes will be coded in 10 second intervals. Additionally, we will construct a recurrence quantification analysis, enabling the examination of both overall synchrony and moment-to-moment temporal assessment under oxytocin versus placebo conditions. Going beyond correlational research, this study provides clearer insights into how oxytocin shapes real-time social interactions in PPD, with implications for designing targeted interventions to enhance mother-infant bonding and prevent adverse developmental outcomes.