The postpartum period can be a time of significant change and transition. Little is known regarding how a history of trauma may impact functioning during this critical time. The literature is consistent regarding the relationship between trauma and body image-related issues, but this has not been investigated with this population. While posttraumatic stress symptoms are considered a significant public health concern, the association between depression and interpersonal concerns has not been thoroughly explored. The purpose of this observational, cross-sectional study is to explore the relationship between trauma and body image, mood, and relationship satisfaction in postpartum women.
Proposed Methods: English speaking adult women (age ≥ 18 years, N = 200) who gave birth in the past year and are currently in an intimate relationship will be eligible to participate in the study. Participants will be recruited through social media and online forums that focus on topics related to pregnancy and the postpartum period. Screened and eligible participants will be asked to complete surveys including a demographic and trauma history questionnaire, PTSD Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fifth Edition (PCL-5), Body Attitude Questionnaire (BAQ), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and The Couples Satisfaction Index (CSI). Survey data will be captured using REDCap.
Proposed Hypotheses: Postpartum women who endorse a history of trauma will report significantly greater body image concerns and depressions levels, as well as lower relationship satisfaction compared to postpartum women who do not endorse a history of trauma. In postpartum women with a history of trauma, higher posttraumatic stress symptoms will be associated with greater body image concerns and depression levels, and lower relationship satisfaction. We will descriptively explore levels of body image concerns, depression levels, and relationship satisfaction in postpartum women who endorse a history of sexual trauma.
Proposed Analyses: Descriptive statistics will be used to characterize the sample. Correlations will evaluate the relationship between demographic variables and outcome measures. Regression or independent samples t-tests will be utilized to evaluate the hypotheses.
Implications: This research has important implications for postpartum women for both their therapeutic and medical care. Findings may clarify conceptualizations of trauma and, therefore, inform treatment strategies and trauma-informed postpartum care. Additionally, results may provide further support for universal screenings during postpartum to identify women at-risk of various perinatal psychosocial concerns
