Journal Article

The mediated effects of maternal depression and infant temperament on maternal role

Rode, Jennifer L., Kiel, Elizabeth J.

2016

Overview

We examined prenatal depression, postpartum depression, and infant temperament, respectively, in a mediated process model to predict maternal role. Using a prospective, observational design, we surveyed 168 women during pregnancy and then in postpartum. Data analyses supported the contribution of each variable in an ascending fashion (ab = −0.01, SE = 0.004, 95 % CI [−0.021, −0.004]), such that infant temperament had the strongest effects ( sr 2  = .124, p  < .001). Further, postpartum depression was found to influence maternal role with both direct effects and indirect effects via infant temperament. These results highlighted the significant impact postpartum depression may have on maternal role. Future interventions targeting mothers experiencing or who are at risk for depression may consider tools to improve mother-baby interactions. The effects of such intervention may subsequently improve both infant temperament and maternal role evaluation.

• Publisher: Springer Vienna,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adult / Babies / Behavior / Care and treatment / Depression - psychology / Depression, Postpartum - diagnosis / Depression, Postpartum - psychology / Development and progression / Female / Humans / Infant / Infant Behavior - psychology / Maternal Behavior - psychology / Medicine / Medicine & Public Health / Mental depression / Mother-Child Relations / Mothers / Mothers - psychology / Original Article / Postpartum depression / Postpartum Period / Pregnancy / Prospective Studies / Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Psychiatry / Psychological aspects / Psychotherapy / Social Support / Surveys / Surveys and Questionnaires / Temperament