title: Etiology of postpartum depression--a review.
abstract: The literature on the etiology of postpartum depression was explored, including demographic, gynecologic-obstetric, biological, psychopathological, cognitive-behavioral, sociocultural and psychosocial factors. Prevailing views about the causation of postpartum depression reflect a multifactorial theory in which all of the selected factors contribute. Empirically derived evidence in support of such a theory is, however, not yet readily available. The emphasis in investigative work regarding the etiology of postpartum depression now appears to be in the psychosocial areas. The underlying assumption from a psychosocial perspective is that postpartum depression results from the stress of the peripartum period and adjustments to child-care responsibilities. In Taiwan, Chen (1994) confirmed the basic Postpartum Depression Model, supporting the predicted relationships between perceived stress, social support, self-esteem and postpartum depression. This model can be incorporated into the nursing body of knowledge. Based on this predictive theory, scientifically valid nursing interventions can be developed and tested.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical College, Taiwan, Republic of China.
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D012944:Social Support