Perceived social support and depression among postnatal women in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

The Present study examines the predictive relationship of perceived social support with depression among postnatal women. After detailed review of literature it was hypothesized that perceived lack of social support would predict depression in postnatal women. Sample of current study, consisting of 90 married postnatal women, with the age range of 25-40 years, who were assessed within four weeks after delivery. Moreover, all three socioeconomic classes [low, middle and high] were considered. [Nonsupport] Subscale of Personality Assessment Inventory [PAI; Morey, 1991] and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS; Cox, Holden, and Sagovsky, 1987] were administered to assess the variables, of perceived lack of social support and depression among postnatal women, respectively. Linear regression was also calculated to determine the predictive relationship of perceived lack of social support with depression among postnatal women. Analysis revealed highly significant relationship between variables [F = 11.008, df=l, 88, p<.01]