Infant carrying is associated with reduced maternal repetitive negative thinking and increased maternal mental health

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Mental disorders, such as postnatal depression, are common in mothers. Repetitive negative thinking has been identified as a cognitive factor underlying the resulting difficulties in mother-infant interactions.

Method

The present online survey investigated associations between infant carrying (baby-wearing) and maternal repetitive negative thinking and positive mental health.

Results

Repetitive negative thinking was significantly lower, and positive mental health was significantly higher while carrying compared to overall levels. There were no relations between maternal mental health and frequency of carrying. Maternal activities during carrying are portrayed.

Conclusion

These results are the first indication that carrying could be a low threshold, easily administered intervention method for maternal mental health problems.

KEYWORDS:

• Infant carrying
• maternal positive mental health
• repetitive negative thinking
• intervention
• infancy

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all families who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).