Abstract
Postpartum depression is a serious health issue affecting as many as 10–15 % of postpartum women. This longitudinal study
aimed to explore how psychological variables such as cognitive emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy
(BSE), and dimensions of social support predicted postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). The
data were collected with web-based survey questionnaires between May 2008 and December 2009, in a sample of 737 new mothers.
The same questionnaire was surveyed at three points in time: 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed
using multilevel modeling (level 1, time points; level 2, person). Results showed that BSE, certain cognitive emotion regulation
strategies, perceived available support, and need for support predicted the rate of postpartum depressive symptoms. Only breastfeeding
self-efficacy predicted change in postpartum depressive symptoms. This study illustrates the importance of psychological variables
with regard to postpartum depressive symptoms. Implications for preventative efforts are discussed.
aimed to explore how psychological variables such as cognitive emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy
(BSE), and dimensions of social support predicted postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). The
data were collected with web-based survey questionnaires between May 2008 and December 2009, in a sample of 737 new mothers.
The same questionnaire was surveyed at three points in time: 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed
using multilevel modeling (level 1, time points; level 2, person). Results showed that BSE, certain cognitive emotion regulation
strategies, perceived available support, and need for support predicted the rate of postpartum depressive symptoms. Only breastfeeding
self-efficacy predicted change in postpartum depressive symptoms. This study illustrates the importance of psychological variables
with regard to postpartum depressive symptoms. Implications for preventative efforts are discussed.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0274-2
- Authors
- Silje M. Haga, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3a, Blindern, PO Box 1094, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Pål Ulleberg, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3a, Blindern, PO Box 1094, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Kari Slinning, National Network for Infant Mental Health, Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Eastern and Southern Norway (R.BUP Oslo), PO Box 4623, Nydalen, 0405 Oslo, Norway
- Pål Kraft, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3a, Blindern, PO Box 1094, 0317 Oslo, Norway
- Thorbjørn B. Steen, Department of Gynecology and Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Nydalen, PO Box 0450, Oslo, Norway
- Annetine Staff, Department of Gynecology and Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Nydalen, PO Box 0450, Oslo, Norway
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816