Impact of emotional factors on postpartum affective bonding in mothers: a systematic literature review

Introduction: the mother-infant affective bond during the postpartum period is a key factor in children’s socio-emotional development. Previous research has shown that maternal emotional factors such as depression, anxiety, and stress may influence the quality of this bond. Method: a systematic literature review was conducted following international guidelines for systematic reviews. The PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and CINAHL databases were consulted, including studies published between 2015 and 2025 in English and Spanish. Fourteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected and analyzed using a qualitative thematic synthesis approach. Results: the findings indicate a consistent association between maternal emotional distress and difficulties in affective bonding, reflected in reduced maternal sensitivity, lower emotional expression, and altered mental representations toward the infant. Protective factors such as social support, maternal self-efficacy, and psychoeducational interventions were also identified. Conclusions: maternal emotional factors play a crucial role in the quality of postpartum affective bonding. The results highlight the importance of early detection strategies and preventive interventions aimed at promoting perinatal mental health and strengthening the mother-infant relationship.