Reviewer ’s report  
 
Title: Traumatic events: Exploring associations with maternal depression, infant bonding, and  
oxytocin in Latina mothers  
 
Version: 2 Date: 31 Oct 2017  
 
Reviewer: Phyllis Zelkowitz  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
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This manuscripts explores the associations between maternal traumatic experiences, self -reported 
depression and bonding in a very small sample of Latina mothers. The mediating role of plasma 
oxytocin is also explored. The literature review is not specific as to the construct of bonding, and 
how it might be distinct from attachment. The associat ions between oxytocin and depression, and 
even oxytocin and trauma, have not been definitively established, with some studies finding 
positive correlations between oxytocin and these variables, and others showing the opposite 
direction of effects. The rati onale for studying a sample of Latina mothers could be further 
elaborated - are these a particularly high risk groups of women? Are there other characteristics 
that make them a particular target for this type of study? What is the rationale for the 4 week and 
8 week timepoints?  
 
 
The sample description does not explain why only 35 of 64 women who were screened enrolled 
for this study. The sample was likely too small to consider controlling for some important 
variables, including parity and education; however , these factors might have affected the results. 
Moreover, oxytocin was assayed when women were either breastfeeding or bottlefeeding. 
Breastfeeding is associated with oxytocin letdown - how might this have affected the results? 
More information on the val idity of the PBQ would be of interest. The calculation of the various 
trauma scores was not clearly explained.  
 
 
The interpretation of marginally significant findings is not warranted. How can differences in 
results at 4 weeks and 8 weeks be explained?  
 
 
The discussion should emphasize that the findings reported here are exploratory and preliminary. 
The shared method variance of the self -reported measures of trauma, depression, and bonding 
should be noted as a limitation.  
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
No 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recommended, please specify what aspects req uire further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Acceptable  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
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1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an  
organisation that may in any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
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2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing i nterests in relation to this paper?  
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below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no compet ing interests  
 
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