Date of Conferral

7-8-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Mary Pinon

Abstract

This research aimed to discover if maternal attachment style moderates the association between maternal stress and postpartum depressive symptoms for mothers living in the United States. Previous research has indicated a trend of maternal bonding mediating the association between postpartum depression and maternal stress. In this study, attachment theory was utilized as the foundational theory for understanding whether the link between maternal stress and postpartum depressive symptoms vary as a function of maternal attachment style. This quantitative examination was completed using a multiple regression analytic approach. An online questionnaire measured the three study variables. The target population for this study was mothers experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms. A total sample of 47 mothers was recruited. There was a significant association between postpartum depressive symptoms and maternal stress, which supports previous research. However, the results did not show moderating effects of attachment style on the association between postpartum depressive symptoms and maternal stress. One potential explanation for the lack of a moderation effect may be attributed to the relatively small sample size. The study has the potential to generate positive social change by contributing to the understanding of the association between the variables. Through this understanding, providers could develop interventions to support women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms. Future research is recommended that replicates the study with a larger sample.

Download

Share

 
COinS