Browsing by Subject "intentional harm"

Intrusive thoughts concerning intentionally harming one’s infant are common in new parents, as much as half of new mothers report having them after childbirth. Most parents experience thoughts as passing but more distressing than other types of postpartum intrusive thoughts. Thoughts concerning child harm can be experienced distressing also by other family members and clinicians which may lead to secrecy or overestimation of risk of child abuse. According to current research, intrusive thoughts do not seem to predict child abuse. More research is needed to normalize intrusive thoughts and find out connection between intrusive thoughts and child abuse.