Understanding postpartum depression and social support

ABSTRACT

Within the field of maternal mental health, studies have demonstrated the connection between social support and postpartum depression (PPD). The purpose of this study was to further understand the experience of social support by women who have gone through PPD through the use of a qualitative phenomenological research design. In addition, this study will focus on the helpful and unhelpful aspects of social support received by participants and what types of social support participants found to be missing in their postpartum experience. Within this dissertation study, the researcher interviewed 15 women to understand their experience of social support in connection to PPD while utilizing the lens of Family Stress Theory and feminist theory. Six categories emerged from the interviews in this study 1.) the experience of PPD, 2.) the concept of social support, 3.) the kind of social support mothers experienced, 4.) helpful forms of social support, 5.) helpful forms of social support, and 6.) missing social support for women. In this study, the researcher also addressed contextual factors and elements related to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. The primary researcher also discussed clinical implications for mental health professionals, limitations of the study, and future research implications in the field of maternal mental health. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)