ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We examined the dynamic relationship between life changes (pregnancy and childbirth) and social support during the postpartum period. METHODS: A large, nationally representative sample of Australian women (N=806) who completed the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey (HILDA) in the year immediately before and immediately after giving birth to a child reported on measures of perceived social support and mental health. RESULTS: Analyses indicated a decrease in both social support and mental health after having a baby. Social support during the postpartum period - controlling for social support and mental health prior to the birth of a baby - predicted better mental health in women. However, for women who experienced a decline in social support, prenatal social support was a risk factor for a decline in mental wellbeing rather than a protective factor. CONCLUSIONS: Women who have 'more to lose' are at increased risk of mental ill-health if they cannot maintain existing sources of social support. Implications for public health: Loss of social support during pregnancy and the postpartum period should be considered as a significant risk factor for postpartum depression in its own right and one that warrants screening and intervention.
Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum/psychology , Depression/psychology , Maternal Health/ethnology , Parturition/psychology , Pregnant Women/psychology , Social Support , Adult , Australia/epidemiology , Depression/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Mental Health , Postpartum Period/ethnology , Postpartum Period/psychology , Pregnancy , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Time Factors , Young AdultABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The postpartum period presents the highest risk for women's mental health throughout the lifespan. We aimed to examine the Social Identity Model of Identity Change in this context. More specifically, we investigated changes in social identity during this life transition and their consequences for women's postpartum mental health. METHODS: Women who had given birth within the last 12 months (N = 387) reported on measures of depression, social group memberships, and motherhood identification. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that a decrease in group memberships after having a baby, controlling for group memberships prior to birth, was associated with an increase in depressive symptomology. However, maintaining pre-existing group memberships was predictive of better mental health. New group memberships were not associated with depressive symptomology. Identification as a mother was a strong positive predictor of mental health in the postpartum period. CONCLUSIONS: The social identity model of identity change provides a useful framework for understanding postpartum depression. Interventions to prevent and treat postpartum depression might aim to support women in maintaining important social group networks throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period.
