The contributions of maternal oxytocin and maternal sensitivity to infant attachment security

ABSTRACT

This study investigated links between maternal postnatal oxytocin, maternal sensitivity, and infant attachment security. At 3-months postpartum, participants (n=88) took part in a structured parent-infant interaction. Maternal oxytocin levels were assessed via blood, before and after the interaction. At 12-months postpartum, mother-child dyads completed the Strange Situation Procedure. Neither baseline oxytocin, oxytocin response, or maternal sensitivity were identified as significant independent predictors of infant attachment security or organisation. However, an interaction effect was identified, with higher maternal sensitivity being associated with secure infant attachment for mothers who showed an increase in oxytocin during parent–child interaction. Results indicate that maternal sensitivity, when accompanied by an increase in maternal oxytocin during parent–child interaction, is associated with the establishment of a positive early parent–child attachment relationship. This adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting maternal oxytocin response as a key adaptive process in the postpartum period.  

KEYWORDS:

• Oxytocin
• attachment
• early parenting

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Karitane, the women and children who participated, and Feroza Khan and Naomi Radom for their contributions to data collection. The study was funded by an Australian Research Council Linkage Grant [LP160100249].

Disclosure statement

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

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by two Australian Research Council Linkage Grants [LP160100249; LP110100334].