Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science / Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement, Vol 58(2), Apr 2026, 93-103; doi:10.1037/cbs0000479
Postpartum depression (PPD) is known for its negative consequences on families adjusting to the addition of a new child. A growing number of studies have shown the links between perfectionism, anxiety, and PPD, but mostly in mothers, without considering the other parent in these links. Adaptive perfectionism is characterized by the pursuit of high goals with flexibility and a sense of accomplishment, whereas maladaptive perfectionism is marked by rigid, unrealistic goal setting and associated emotional distress. No dyadic study has examined the link between adaptive perfectionism and PPD symptoms, a key limitation given the link between depressive symptoms and both partners’ individual characteristics postpartum. The first goal of this study was to evaluate, from a dyadic perspective, the links between two forms of perfectionism (adaptive and maladaptive) and postnatal depressive symptoms in both parents. The second goal was to examine the contribution of anxiety symptoms as an intermediary variable in these links. Both members of 85 couples individually completed questionnaires. Results of actor–partner interdependence model-based path analyses revealed that both parents’ adaptive perfectionism was negatively related to their own depressive symptoms. Positive links were found between fathers’ and mothers’ maladaptive perfectionism and their own and their partners’ depressive symptoms. Indirect links through anxiety at the actor and partner levels were found. These results highlight dyadic factors contributing to PPD symptoms, encouraging perinatal care providers to assess both parents’ adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism to prevent the development or exacerbation of anxio-depressive symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved)