A longitudinal examination of contributors to new parents’ perception of their infant

Background: Previous studies have examined contributors to personal growth (PG) following the birth of the first child. This study examines for the first time the role of PG as a potential mediator in the relationship between individual characteristics (bond with parents and experiences of parental loss) and parental perception of their infant (warmth, invasiveness). By focusing on PG, this study offers a novel perspective on how parental experiences and relationships influence early parent-child dynamics over time. Methods: We used data from a longitudinal study among new Israeli parents. Participants completed self-report questionnaires in three phases: Up to one year following the birth of their first child (n = 2,182); Six months later (n = 1,045); and after another six months (n = 811). Results: The study revealed associations between background variables and perceived infant’s warmth and invasiveness over time. A cross-lag panel model revealed that parental care as reported in Phase 1 was linked to perceived warmth in Phase 1, whereas parental overprotection and parental loss, both reported in Phase 1 were linked to perceived invasiveness in Phase 1. PG mediated the association between parental care and perceived warmth over time. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the significance of parental bond, experiences of parental loss, and personal growth in shaping parents’ perception of their infants. The findings highlight the importance of targeted support programmes to promote positive parent-infant relationships, emphasising the need for further longitudinal research to understand the dynamics of these relationships over time.