The transition to parenthood following a history of childhood maltreatment: a review of the literature on prospective and new parents’ experiences

Abstract

Background: Becoming a parent is viewed as one of the most important transitions in one’s life. However, a history of childhood maltreatment may affect the adjustment to parenthood. Objective: The objective of this review was to synthesize the current evidence base to further our understanding of prospective and new parents’ experiences in the transition to parenthood (pregnancy to 2 years post-birth), in the context of having a childhood maltreatment history. Method: A scoping review of the literature was conducted using the following online databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, PsycNET, and Published International Literature of Traumatic Stress. Results: The findings were synthesized into a four-component theoretical framework, which included mental health of the parent, physical changes, parental view of the child, and view of the self as a parent. A total of 69 papers, including 181,537 participants (of whom 30,482 mothers and 235 fathers had maltreatment histories), investigated the transition to parenthood. The majority of the studies showed that parents with a maltreatment history may suffer from a range of mental health problems during the transition to parenthood, experience more negative physical changes, and have more negative views of their child (or children). However, they reported both positive and negative experiences regarding their identity as a parent. Conclusions: The findings suggest that maltreatment is a risk factor for a more challenging transition to parenthood. Experiences of fathers with maltreatment histories merit more attention, as do those of parents in low- and middle-income countries. Future directions should include predictors of positive experiences and the development of early interventions to improve outcomes for this population.

“Since his birth, I’ve always been old” the experience of being parents to children displaying disruptive behavior problems: a qualitative study

“…Several parents spontaneously discussed their own upbringing and described mental health problems among their family members, while others talked openly about other negative experiences like childhood sexual abuse they had experienced, growing up in foster care, or growing up with parents who abused alcohol. These worrying experiences from their own childhood, their family history, and how emotions were expressed in their family of origin, all affected how they interacted with their own children, which is in line with Christie et al, [ 24 ]. It seemed as though a pattern of mental ill-being was reproduced through the generations as participants described their parents’ mental health problems, their own, and their children’s.…”

Adverse childhood experiences and maternal anxiety and depression: a meta-analysis

“…For example, Danese and McEwen [ 43 ] describe how childhood adversity contributes to allostatic load, or wear-and-tear on the body, resulting in physiological changes to the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. These biologically embedded changes have been hypothesized to result in greater susceptibility to mental illness when faced with psychosocial stressors [ 44 ], especially during pregnancy, when mothers face substantial neuroendocrinological [ 45 ] and psychosocial [ 46 , 47 ] changes. Specifically, memories and cognitions regarding childhood abuse and household dysfunction may be particularly salient sources of stress during the pregnancy and transition to parenthood periods.…”

Parents’ Perceptions and Experiences of Parenting Programmes: A Systematic Review and Metasynthesis of the Qualitative Literature

“…Parents' widely expressed desire to "be a better parent" (Hartwig et al 2017, p. 506) should be acknowledged by professionals to support the maintenance of a non-judgemental approach, whereby parents' commitment to doing the best they can, in often tremendously difficult circumstances, is continually recognised (Allen 2011). The transition to parenthood can be particularly challenging for individuals with a history of maltreatment and the complexity of attempting to break intergenerational cycles is highlighted (Christie et al 2017;Madden et al 2015). The value of supporting parents in the often difficult process of reflecting on their own experience of being parented is emphasised; the potential benefits of creating the opportunity for this within the delivery of parenting programmes should be considered (Levac et al 2008;Wolfe and Haddy 2001).…”