Mindful Parenting, Affective Attunement, and Maternal Depression: A Call for Research

Abstract

This paper introduces the construct of mindfulness and highlights research findings on the benefits of mindfulness-based clinical interventions. Drawing on the theoretical perspective of Daniel Stern (1985), mindfulness can be understood as a necessary prerequisite for the affective attunement that occurs within the intersubjective relatedness of mother and infant. The negative consequences of maternal depression are discussed, and the notion that maternal depression can prevent a mother from being mindful is suggested. The case is made that research is needed on child outcomes in existing mindfulness-based interventions for adult depression, and that such empirically validated interventions should be modified for specific use with women experiencing antepartum and postpartum depression. Furthermore, mindfulness as a potential mechanism of change in dyadic interventions for this population should be examined. This paper also highlights the positive psychology view that interventions can focus on enhancing current strengths and need not focus solely on deficits.