The Mediating Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on the Relationship Between Mothers Postpartum Traumatic Stress and Infant Bonding

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Purpose: To examine the mediating effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the relationship between mothers' postpartum traumatic stress and infant bonding. Method: Participants comprised 452 mothers aged ≥18 years who had healthy infants aged between 6 weeks and 1 year. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire–Turkish Version (ACE-TR), City Birth Trauma Scale (CityBiTS), and Postnatal Attachment Questionnaire–Turkish Version (PBQ-TR). Results: Of participants who reported at least one ACE, 15.9% met diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder according to the CityBiTS. A higher ACE-TR score ( p < 0.001) and the presence of one or more traumatic stress symptoms ( p < 0.05) were associated with more significant mother–infant bonding problems. CityBiTS score was a complete intermediary variable between ACE-TR and PBQ-TR scores. Conclusion: Maternal exposure to ACEs is an important determinant of post-partum traumatic stress and negatively affects mother–infant bonding.