Julie A Kruse1, Reg A Williams2, Julia S Seng3. 1. Lourdes University College of Nursing, 6832 Convent Blvd., Sylvania, OH 43560, , , jkruse@umich.edu. 2. University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, rawill@umich.edu. 3. Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, 204 S. State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-1290, jseng@umich.edu.
Abstract
PURPOSE: To extend testing of a relational theory that a low sense of belonging, delayed or impaired bonding, and loneliness are salient risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) in women. METHODS: Data for this theory-testing analysis came from a larger prospective longitudinal cohort study and included women who were retained to the end of the study at the 6 week postpartum interview (n=564). Structural equation modeling was used to test the "fit" of the model and determine significance of direct and indirect paths. RESULTS: The model explained 35% of the variance in postpartum depression with impaired bonding and loneliness as the strongest indicators. Lower sense of belonging, less perceived social support from a healthcare practitioner and a partner, and lower parenting sense of competence were additional predictors. CONCLUSION: Study findings challenge current thinking about the relationship between impaired bonding and PPD as this study raises the possibility that impaired bonding is a risk for PPD as opposed to the reverse relationship. The study provided evidence of the importance of healthcare practitioners' alliance with patients. This paper contributes to advancing the science of women's mental health in relation to depression by considering additional predictors which might be amenable to intervention.
PURPOSE: To extend testing of a relational theory that a low sense of belonging, delayed or impaired bonding, and loneliness are salient risk factors for postpartum depression (PPD) in women. METHODS: Data for this theory-testing analysis came from a larger prospective longitudinal cohort study and included women who were retained to the end of the study at the 6 week postpartum interview (n=564). Structural equation modeling was used to test the "fit" of the model and determine significance of direct and indirect paths. RESULTS: The model explained 35% of the variance in postpartum depression with impaired bonding and loneliness as the strongest indicators. Lower sense of belonging, less perceived social support from a healthcare practitioner and a partner, and lower parenting sense of competence were additional predictors. CONCLUSION: Study findings challenge current thinking about the relationship between impaired bonding and PPD as this study raises the possibility that impaired bonding is a risk for PPD as opposed to the reverse relationship. The study provided evidence of the importance of healthcare practitioners' alliance with patients. This paper contributes to advancing the science of women's mental health in relation to depression by considering additional predictors which might be amenable to intervention.
Entities:
Keywords:
bonding; conflict; loneliness; postpartum depression; sense of belonging; social support
Authors: Su-Chin Serene Olin; Mary McCord; Ruth E K Stein; Bonnie D Kerker; Dara Weiss; Kimberly E Hoagwood; Sarah M Horwitz Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2017-04-14 Impact factor: 2.681
Authors: Bárbara Caetano; Mariana Branquinho; Maria Cristina Canavarro; Ana Fonseca Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-09-16 Impact factor: 4.614