2 research outputs found
Is the association between postpartum depression and early maternalâinfant relationships contextually determined by avoidant coping in the mother?
This study analyzes the moderating role of avoidant coping (in early pregnancy) in the
relationship between postpartum depressive (PPD) symptoms and maternal perceptions about
motherâbaby relations and self-confidence. Participants were 116 low-risk obstetric mothers (mean
age = 31.2 years, SD = 3.95, range 23â42) who received care and gave birth at a Spanish public hospital.
Measurements were made at two points in time: at first trimester of pregnancy (maternal avoidance
coping) and four months after childbirth (PPD and maternal perceptions). Avoidant coping was
associated with the perception of the baby as irritable and unstable (p = 0.003), including irritability
during lactation (p = 0.041). Interaction effects of avoidant coping and postpartum depression were
observed on the perception of the baby as irritable (p = 0.031) and with easy temperament (p = 0.002).
Regarding the motherâs self-confidence, avoidant coping was related to a lack of security in caring
for the baby (p < 0.001) and had a moderating effect between PPD and motherâs self-confidence
(i.e., lack of security in caring for the baby, p =0.027; general security, p = 0.007). Interaction effects
showed that the use of avoidant coping in the mother exacerbated the impact of PPD on the early
motherâinfant relationship