Maternal prenatal PTSD symptoms mediate the association between disrupted prenatal maternal representations of the child and infant social-emotional functioning

Introduction: There is limited research on disrupted maternal representations of the child, including possible mechanisms that may account for their impact on very young children's social-emotional well-being. Existing research suggests that maternal mental health symptoms, particularly those that may be related to experiences of interpersonal trauma, may be important to investigate. Method: = 120) of women aged 18-42 who participated from their third trimester of pregnancy through 2 years post birth, the present study examined associations between disrupted prenatal maternal representations, infant and toddler social-emotional functioning, and perinatal (third trimester and 1-year post birth) maternal mental health symptoms (PTSD, depression, and anxiety). Results: Prenatal PTSD symptoms were the only maternal mental health symptoms significantly associated with degree of disrupted prenatal maternal representations and later infant and toddler social-emotional functioning. Mediation models revealed that maternal prenatal PTSD symptoms mediated the association between degree of disrupted prenatal maternal representations and infant, but not toddler, social-emotional functioning. Discussion: Findings highlight the importance of screening for maternal PTSD symptoms during the prenatal period as well as the value of early intervention when disrupted prenatal maternal representations are identified.