Postpartum depression childbirth related PTSD maternal bonding sexual functioning and partner support among mothers

Abstract

Abstract This study examined psychosocial factors associated with postpartum mental health, focusing on depression, childbirth-related PTSD (CB-PTSD), maternal-infant bonding, sexual functioning, and perceived partner support. Data from a large Hungarian sample ( N  = 675), assessed between 1 and 24 months postpartum indicated that 29.6% of mothers reported clinically significant depressive symptoms, 32.1% experienced sexual dysfunction, and 4.6% met diagnostic criteria for CB-PTSD, with substantial comorbidity observed between depression and PTSD. Bonding difficulties were consistently associated with higher depressive symptoms, lower perceived social support, and reduced maternal self-efficacy across all PBQ subscales, underscoring the central role of these factors in postpartum psychological adjustment. Sexual dysfunction was also associated with multiple domains of bonding difficulties, including impaired bonding, caregiving anxiety, and rejection-related distress, extending current understanding of postpartum relational dynamics. Regression analyses identified perceived partner care and relationship satisfaction as key correlates of maternal well-being, while emotional and instrumental forms of support were negatively associated with relationship satisfaction. Sociodemographic and obstetric factors, including emergency caesarean delivery and high-risk pregnancy, were further associated with increased psychological distress, highlighting their contextual relevance. These findings underscore the multidimensional nature of postpartum adjustment and suggest the relevance of integrated, trauma-informed, couple-focused approaches in perinatal mental health care.