Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Tiffany Rush-Wilson

Abstract

The purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental study was to analyze and explore the predictors for postpartum depression (PPD) and the strength of these predictors using a secondary data set from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study from Princeton, Pennsylvania State, and Columbia Universities. By incorporating the biopsychosocial model and feminist theory as the theoretical frameworks for this research, PPD was conceptualized as a serious, multidimensional psychological condition. Using logistic regression, many predictors were identified as etiological for PPD, including subjective attitudes about ideal and introjected characteristics ascribed to women as primary caretakers. These beliefs prevent the extension and acceptance of social support from others, as well as the internalization of negative self-images. Furthermore, it was conceptualized that hormonal influences and lifestyle are risk factors that significantly affect the expression of PPD. According to study results, financial stressors and emotional stressors from a dissatisfaction of parenting were the strongest predictors of PPD among mothers. This study provides an important contribution to the existing literature and enhanced social change initiatives by making public the effect of social supports, biology, and their intersection on emic PPD experiences and expectations using participant's life experiences. Furthermore, this study provides information to the behavioral health and obstetric community that will ensure greater access to postpartum care.

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