title: A longitudinal study of postpartum depressive symptoms: multilevel growth curve analyses of emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and social support.
abstract: Postpartum depression is a serious health issue affecting as many as 10-15 % of postpartum women. This longitudinal study aimed to explore how psychological variables such as cognitive emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE), and dimensions of social support predicted postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). The data were collected with web-based survey questionnaires between May 2008 and December 2009, in a sample of 737 new mothers. The same questionnaire was surveyed at three points in time: 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling (level 1, time points; level 2, person). Results showed that BSE, certain cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived available support, and need for support predicted the rate of postpartum depressive symptoms. Only breastfeeding self-efficacy predicted change in postpartum depressive symptoms. This study illustrates the importance of psychological variables with regard to postpartum depressive symptoms. Implications for preventative efforts are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3a, Blindern, PO Box 1094, 0317 Oslo, Norway. s.m.haga@psykologi.uio.no
authors.forename: Silje M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Haga
authors.forename: Pål
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Ulleberg
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Slinning
authors.forename: Pål
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kraft
authors.forename: Thorbjørn B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: Steen
authors.forename: Annetine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Staff
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult