Depressive symptomatology in new mothers: a stress and coping perspective.

The aim of the present research was to test the utility of a stress-coping model of postpartum depression. Data were collected during the last trimester of pregnancy (n = 197) and twice after the birth (4 weeks, n = 180, and approximately 5 months, n = 163). Coping resources and depressive symptomatology were assessed at Time 1, stress and coping were assessed at Time 2, and depressive symptomatology and partner ratings of coping effectiveness were assessed at Times 2 and 3. After control of the effects of initial depression, there was evidence of significant effects of levels of stress and coping responses on the Time 2 and Time 3 outcome measures. There were also some evidence linking coping resources (particularly self-esteem and family support) to postpartum depressive symptomatology.

The psychological well-being of infertile women after a failed IVF attempt: the effects of coping.

One hundred infertile women and 73 female controls completed three measures of psychological well-being (depression, self-esteem and self-confidence) on two occasions (Times 1 and 2), coinciding with the beginning and end of a failed IVF attempt by the infertile women. At Time 2, the IVF women were also asked to indicate whether they had used a number of different coping responses, in relation to dealing with their failed IVF attempt. As predicted, IVF women were more depressed and had lower self-esteem than controls prior to the treatment cycle, and both before and after the treatment cycle they were less self-confident. After the failed IVF procedure, IVF women were more depressed and had lower levels of self-esteem than they did prior to the treatment cycle. In terms of the effects of coping on the post-attempt well-being of the IVF women, the use of problem-focused coping was associated with high levels of well-being, while the use of avoidance coping and seeking social support was associated with low levels of well-being.