3280 - FROM CHILDHOOD TRAUMA TO FATHERHOOD: THE IMPACT OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES ON PATERNAL PRENATAL BONDING AND DEPRESSION

Session: 3269 - PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH IN MOTHERS AND FATHERS: DEVELOPMENTAL, CLINICAL, AND CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVES
AUTHORS:
Infurna Maria Rita (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Bevacqua Eleonora (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Riolo Martina (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Guarneri Claudia (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Mineo Raffaella (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Rini Claudia (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Sottile Jada (Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo ~ Palermo ~ Italy) , Garthus-Niegel Susan (Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden ~ Dresden ~ Germany) , Fazio Leonardo (LUM University 'Giuseppe Degennaro', Casamassima ~ Bari ~ Italy)
Abstract text:
Introduction. The transition to fatherhood represents a critical stage in individual development, involving psychological and relational changes that contribute to the construction of paternal identity. In recent years, fathers' involvement during pregnancy and the early stages of parenthood has steadily increased, paralleled by growing scholarly interest in their emotional connection with the unborn child. Despite this, the factors influencing antenatal bonding remain insufficiently understood.
Purpose. This study aimed to investigate whether experiences of childhood emotional abuse and neglect influence paternal antenatal bonding and to test whether antenatal depressive symptoms mediate this relationship.
Methods. A sample of expectant fathers (N = 276) completed self-report questionnaires assessing childhood maltreatment (CTQ), depressive symptoms (EPDS), and paternal antenatal attachment (PAAS). Correlational analyses and structural equation modeling (SEM) were performed to examine direct and mediated effects of childhood trauma and depressive symptoms on paternal antenatal bonding.
Results. Both childhood emotional abuse (r = 0.24, p < 0.001) and neglect (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms, in turn, were negatively related to attachment quality (r = -0.35, p < 0.001) and intensity of concern (r = -0.14, p = 0.028). Neglect showed a stronger negative association with attachment quality (r = -0.31, p < 0.001) compared to abuse (r = -0.12, p = 0.42; z = 2.35, p = 0.018). SEM confirmed that depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and antenatal attachment, improving overall model fit.
Conclusions. Findings indicate that childhood maltreatment, particularly neglect, may undermine paternal antenatal bonding through increased vulnerability to depressive symptoms. These results highlight the importance of early screening and targeted interventions to identify fathers at risk and promote healthy father-infant relationships during the perinatal period.