Abstract

Background: In Anglo-Saxon societies, there is extensive evidence indicating that the development of maternal mental health conditions has a negative impact on mother-baby interaction. However, in Latin American countries, despite a high prevalence of common mental disorders, the literature on maternal sensitive responses and their association with mental health remains scarce. Therefore, the aim of the study was to gather and analyze the association between mental health conditions and maternal sensitivity in Latin America. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across four databases using the PRISMA methodology. Articles conducted in Latin American countries that encompassed the study variables, focused on the first three years of the baby's life, were included. Results: 13 articles were included in the review. 61.5% of the studies demonstrated, albeit weakly, a negative relationship between postpartum depression and maternal sensitivity. Conclusions: The results suggest that this line of research could be further explored in Latin America through a holistic perspective, considering maternal mental health in conjunction with contextual conditions, infant characteristics, and triadic interaction.