ERIC Number: EJ1273240
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0300-4430
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Effects of Early Postpartum Depression on Infant Temperament
Shapiro, Alyson F.; Jolley, Sandra N.; Hildebrandt, Ursula; Spieker, Susan J.
Early Child Development and Care, v190 n12 p1918-1930 2020
Research linking postpartum depression (PPD) with negative child outcomes has predominantly examined PPD at six weeks postpartum or later, and has not controlled for depression during pregnancy. The present study examined associations between PPD at three weeks postpartum and temperament in 6-month-old infants in a sample of women who were not depressed during pregnancy. Depression was assessed at three weeks and six months postpartum using the Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS). Observed and maternal report of infant temperament was assessed when infants were 6-months-old. PPD symptoms significantly predicted observed temperament behaviour and explained maternal report of infant temperament. Symptoms of PPD at three weeks postpartum were a stronger predictor than at six months. Findings suggest that early depressive symptoms may be particularly problematic, and have implications for early assessment and treatment of PPD even in women who were not depressed during pregnancy or are otherwise considered low risk.
Descriptors: Depression (Psychology), Mothers, Parent Child Relationship, Females, Pregnancy, Affective Behavior, Behavior Problems, Evaluation, Infants
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Institute of Nursing Research (NIH)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: 5F31NRO7252803; T32NRO7039
Author Affiliations: N/A