Publication:

The association of mother-infant attachment with cognitive development in infancy using the Bayley scale of infant development: a cross-sectional study

Background Maternal attachment is deep-rooted in humans and primates. Both are designed to protect and preserve the species through nurturing behaviors. Early childhood attachment is foundational to an individual’s adult attachment style, affecting parenting and social relationships across generations. Thus, mother–infant attachment is fundamental to optimal child development and future outcomes.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Pediatric Outpatient Department, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Pune, from April 2022 to September 2022. A total of 34 mother–infant dyads with children aged 1±3 months were included in the study. Dr. Bhakoo’s Mother–Infant Attachment Scale was used to evaluate attachment between mothers and children. The higher the score, the greater the mother–infant attachment.

Results Working mothers (p=0.027), separation from the mother (p=0.022) and socioeconomic status (p=0.042) significantly affected mother–infant attachment. Mother–infant attachment was not significantly associated with cognitive development in infancy (p=0.80). Studies with larger samples may be required to explore further associations.

Conclusions We found no significant correlation between mother–infant attachment and cognitive development. The results provided further evidence that studies with larger samples are required to determine the impact of attachment and overall development.