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Severe disorders of the mother–infant relationship: definitions and frequency

Archives of Women's Mental Health volume 9, pages 243–251 (2006)Cite this article

Summary

We assessed the frequency of severe disorders of the mother–infant relationship in over 200 mothers referred to services in Birmingham and Christchurch, all of whom were interviewed using the Birmingham Interview for Maternal Mental Health. 10.6% had established rejection and 14.6% threatened rejection of their infants. 28.6% had various degrees of pathological anger, which was severe in 8.3%. Rejection was strongly associated with unwanted pregnancy and lack of interaction with the foetus.

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Affiliations

  1. Professor emeritus, University of Birmingham, Bredenbury, U.K.

    I. F. Brockington

  2. Mothers and Babies Unit, Princess Margaret Hospital, Cashmere, Christchurch, New Zealand

    H. M. Aucamp

  3. Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales, U.K.

    C. Fraser

Authors
  1. I. F. Brockington
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  2. H. M. Aucamp
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  3. C. Fraser
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Brockington, I., Aucamp, H. & Fraser, C. Severe disorders of the mother–infant relationship: definitions and frequency. Arch Womens Ment Health 9, 243–251 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-006-0133-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-006-0133-0

  • Keywords: Mother–infant relationship disorder; rejection of child; child abuse; child neglect; unwanted pregnancy; prepartum bonding.