THE ROLE OF ADULT ATTACHMENT STYLE AND THE SUBJECTIVE BIRTH EXPERIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA FOLLOWING CHILDBIRTH

Background: Childbirth is typically a joyous occasion, but at the same time it does place overwhelming demands on women. While the majority cope well, Psychological Trauma Following Birth (PTFB) can occur is certain cases. Many vulnerability and risk factors have been identified; however, not enough is known about the interaction between these factors. This study sought to examine if adult attachment style interacted with women’s subjective birth experience to predict levels of psychological trauma following birth. The association between antenatal anxiety and depression was also explored. Method: using a longitudinal research design, this study (n=147) used data collected at T1 (during pregnancy) and T4 (24 months postpartum). Correlational and hierarchical multiple regression analysis were used to explore the relationships between adult attachment style, the subjective birth experience including peritraumatic factors, in predicting levels of PTFB. Results: 9% of the sample had clinically significant symptoms of PTFB. Predictive models indicate that the subjective birth experience of feeling supported, peritraumatic distress, and an insecure attachment style predict levels of PTFB, over and above the effects of mode of delivery. The model accounted for 61% of the variance in PTFB symptoms (F (8,138) = 25.5, p < .001). Attachment style moderated the links between all aspects of the subjective birth experience and PTFB. It did not interact with peri-traumatic distress. Implications: this study indicates that there is potential to prevent PTFB by identifying vulnerability and risk factors in the antenatal stage or immediately after birth. For women who do develop PTFB, early identification and appropriate perinatal follow up should be arranged.