The impact of childhood maltreatment on paternal antenatal bonding: the mediating role of antenatal depression

Abstract

Background: As fathers become more involved in pregnancy and early parenting, more research attention has been given to their emotional connection with their unborn child. The transition to fatherhood is a critical developmental phase involving psychological and relational changes that shape paternal identity and bonding with the fetus. However, the factors influencing prenatal father–infant bonding remain unclear. This study examines whether emotional abuse and neglect experienced in childhood impact paternal bonding during pregnancy, and whether antenatal depressive symptoms mediate this relationship. Methods: A total of 276 expectant fathers completed self-report questionnaires to assess childhood maltreatment (using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, CTQ), depressive symptoms (using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, EPDS) and paternal antenatal attachment (using the Paternal Antenatal Attachment Scale, PAAS). Correlational analyses and structural equation modelling (SEM) were used to examine direct and indirect associations between these variables. Results: Emotional abuse (τ = 0.22, p