Implications of mothers’ adult attachment for dynamic change in physiological arousal and regulation and maternal sensitivity

We examined indirect effects of mothers' attachment states of mind on maternal sensitivity via dynamic change in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and skin conductance level (SCL). Participants were 259 mother-infant dyads. Adult attachment was assessed via the Adult Attachment Interview during pregnancy. Maternal RSA, SCL, and sensitivity were measured during the Still Face Procedure (SFP) at 6 months. Coherence was associated with higher mean SCL and marginally greater dynamic change in SCL across the SFP. Dismissing states of mind were associated with greater mean level and dynamic variability in SCL, and the latter was associated with higher sensitivity. There was an indirect effect of dismissing states of mind on lower maternal sensitivity via less dynamic change in RSA. There were no significant effects related to preoccupation or RSA. Results indicate that a dismissing state of mind places mothers at risk for insensitivity by dampening their arousal in attachment-relevant situations.