Psychosocial predictors of depressive symptomatology level in postpartum women

J Affect Disord. 1997 Oct;46(1):39-49. doi: 10.1016/s0165-0327(97)00077-3.

Abstract

This study explored a multifactorial model for the prediction of the intensity of depressive symptoms in postpartum women. Data were gathered from 213 pregnant women during the second trimester of pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. Participants were assessed according to a number of psychosocial variables. A path analysis indicated that four variables had a direct effect on postpartum depressive symptomatology level: lower occupational status, prenatal depression level, more distal stressors and a personal psychiatric history. Eight variables, which reflected past and present experiences, showed an indirect effect. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression, Postpartum / diagnosis*
  • Depression, Postpartum / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Personality Development
  • Personality Inventory
  • Pregnancy
  • Recurrence
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Socioeconomic Factors