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Postpartum Daily Stress, Relationship Quality, and Depressive Symptoms

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An Erratum to this article was published on 22 May 2008

Abstract

This study explored the relationships among daily stresses, specifically interpersonal conflict, the quality of supportive spousal relationships, and the experience of postpartum depressive symptoms. In our sample of 51 women nearly 30% reported symptoms consistent with postpartum depression. Using regression analysis and controlling for depression during pregnancy, results suggested that arguments with family members and the depth of the spousal relationship acted as significant predictors of the severity of reported postpartum depressive symptoms. Results of the regression were in the expected direction, but due to the small sample size, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Post-hoc analyses were conducted separating the women into three groups based on their depression scores. Therapeutic interventions to reduce postpartum depressive symptoms are considered.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Family Studies and Human Development, University of Arizona, FCS 217, P.O. Box 210033, Tucson, AZ, 85721-0033, USA

    Melissa Page & Mari S. Wilhelm

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  1. Melissa Page
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  2. Mari S. Wilhelm
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Correspondence to Melissa Page.

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An erratum to this article can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10591-008-9068-0

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Page, M., Wilhelm, M.S. Postpartum Daily Stress, Relationship Quality, and Depressive Symptoms. Contemp Fam Ther 29, 237–251 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-007-9043-1

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