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Abstract
Objectives: Research has shown that between 1 and 3% of women may suffer from post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. However, the potential effect of childbirth on fathers, and the implications of post‐natal symptoms of PTSD for family relationships, have received little attention. The current study therefore examined the potential effects of PTSD symptoms on the couple's relationship and parent–baby bond.
Design: Internet‐based questionnaire study.
Methods: One hundred and fifty‐two parents (126 women and 26 men) completed questionnaire measures of PTSD, depression, quality of the couple's relationship, and the parent–baby bond.
Results: Symptoms of PTSD and depression were significantly correlated with the couples' relationship and parent–baby bond. Structural equation modelling found the model that best fitted the data was one where PTSD symptoms had a direct effect on the parent–baby bond, but the effect of PTSD on the couples' relationship was mediated by depression.
Conclusions: The results indicate the importance of examining the psychological reactions of men and women after birth; and suggest that symptoms of PTSD have an effect on the parent–baby bond. However, methodological considerations mean further research is needed to replicate and extend this study before firm conclusions can be drawn.