Interactions between perceptions of relationship quality and postnatal depressive symptoms in Australian, primiparous women and their partners
Karen Wynter A B , Heather Rowe A and Jane Fisher A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A The Jean Hailes Research Unit, Monash University School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Level 6, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Vic. 3004, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: karen.wynter@monash.edu
Australian Journal of Primary Health 20(2) 174-181 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY12066
Submitted: 22 May 2012 Accepted: 1 February 2013 Published: 29 April 2013
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate interactions between perceptions of quality of intimate partner relationship and postnatal depressive symptoms in members of heterosexual couples 6 months after the birth of their first infant, while controlling for other relevant risk and protective factors. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a prospective community cohort study of Australian, primiparous women and their partners. The outcome measure was Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score. Quality of intimate partner relationship, personality factors and infant behaviour were assessed using the standardised Intimate Bonds Measure, Vulnerable Personality Style Questionnaire and Barr Chart respectively. Complete data were available for 161 couples. Associations between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores and own and partner ratings of the intimate partner relationship were estimated simultaneously using multilevel modelling. When other relevant factors were controlled, relationships in which partners were perceived as critical, coercive or intimidating were associated with significantly more depressive symptoms in individuals (P = 0.004) as well as their partners (P = 0.008). In both women and men, vulnerable personality traits, coincidental adverse life events and more infant crying and fussing were also associated with significantly more depressive symptoms. Thus, the quality of the intimate partner relationship is significantly associated with postnatal mental health in both women and men, especially in the context of coincidental stressful events including infant crying.
Additional keywords: actor−partner interdependence model, dyadic analysis, postnatal depression, relationship quality.
References
Areias ME, Kumar R, Barros H, Figueiredo E (1996a) Comparative incidence of depression in women and men, during pregnancy and after childbirth. Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in Portuguese mothers. The British Journal of Psychiatry 169, 30–35.| Comparative incidence of depression in women and men, during pregnancy and after childbirth. Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in Portuguese mothers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK28vhsFCnsg%3D%3D&md5=cf79846edd1079bc96ed9d91cdbdfcb6CAS | 8818365PubMed |
Areias ME, Kumar R, Barros H, Figueiredo E (1996b) Correlates of postnatal depression in mothers and fathers. The British Journal of Psychiatry 169, 36–41.
| Correlates of postnatal depression in mothers and fathers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK28vhsFCnsw%3D%3D&md5=2b9a622489c851eb4a16d941a127d2edCAS | 8818366PubMed |
Astbury J (2001) Gender disparities in mental health. In ‘Mental health: a call for action by World Health Ministers’. pp. 73–92. (World Health Organization: Geneva)
Astbury J, Brown S, Lumley J, Small R (1994) Birth events, birth experiences and social differences in postnatal depression. Australian Journal of Public Health 18, 176–184.
| Birth events, birth experiences and social differences in postnatal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2M%2FjsFChsw%3D%3D&md5=8b2dffaa63c58e5e76fdd5dc45650ea3CAS | 7948335PubMed |
Atkinson AK, Rickel AU (1984) Postpartum depression in primiparous parents. Journal of Abnormal Psychology 93, 115–119.
| Postpartum depression in primiparous parents.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL2c7js1KktQ%3D%3D&md5=b4a6951939f12b783a49ef91c9d04bfcCAS | 6699268PubMed |
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2007) 2006 Census Quickstats: Victoria. Available at http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/data [Verified 8 November 2011]
Australian Bureau of Statistics (2008) An introduction to socio-economic indexes for areas (SEIFA) 2006. (Australian Bureau of Statistics) Available at http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/2039.0/ [Verified 8 November 2011]
Australian Bureau of Statistics/Statistics New Zealand (2006) ‘Australian and New Zealand standard classification of occupations (ANZSCO).’ ABS Catalogue No. 1220.0. Available at http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/DetailsPage/1220.02006?OpenDocument#Publications [Verified 8 November 2011]
Bandyopadhyay M, Small R, Watson LF, Brown S (2010) Life with a new baby: how do immigrant and Australian-born women’s experiences compare? Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 34, 412–421.
| Life with a new baby: how do immigrant and Australian-born women’s experiences compare?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20649783PubMed |
Barr RG, Kramer MS, Boisjoly C, McVey-White L, Pless IB (1988) Parental diary of infant cry and fuss behaviour. Archives of Disease in Childhood 63, 380–387.
| Parental diary of infant cry and fuss behaviour.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL1c3gvVCktQ%3D%3D&md5=0bc0d04babfa62c0247de6e3cd2d1c02CAS | 3365007PubMed |
Beach SRH, Katz J, Kim S, Brody GH (2003) Prospective effects of marital satisfaction on depressive symptoms in established marriages: a dyadic model. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 20, 355–371.
| Prospective effects of marital satisfaction on depressive symptoms in established marriages: a dyadic model.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Beck CT (1996) A meta-analysis of predictors of postpartum depression. Nursing Research 45, 297–303.
| A meta-analysis of predictors of postpartum depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK28vivVGmtg%3D%3D&md5=a7809189e41f33905ecf37cbaed6c658CAS | 8831657PubMed |
beyondblue (2011) ‘Women with postnatal depression fear ‘Bad Mother’ label.’ Media release 11 November 2011. Available at http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=105.1363&tmp=FileDownload&fid=2399 [Verified 22 November 2011]
Bilszta JL, Tang M, Meyer D, Milgrom J, Ericksen J, Buist AE (2008) Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 42, 56–65.
| Single motherhood versus poor partner relationship: outcomes for antenatal mental health.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18058445PubMed |
Boyce P, Barnett B, Parker G, Cooney M, Smith F (1991a) Personality as a vulnerability factor to depression. The British Journal of Psychiatry 159, 106–114.
| Personality as a vulnerability factor to depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK3Mzmtl2rug%3D%3D&md5=3197036abfad12e672b5ca17835a2c55CAS | 1888956PubMed |
Boyce P, Hickie I, Parker G (1991b) Parents, partners or personality? Risk factors for post-natal depression. Journal of Affective Disorders 21, 245–255.
| Parents, partners or personality? Risk factors for post-natal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK3M3psVClsg%3D%3D&md5=c790a5602183afb233d4afb4a399abccCAS | 1829746PubMed |
Boyce P, Hickey A, Gilchrist J, Talley NJ (2001) The development of a brief personality scale to measure vulnerability to postnatal depression. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 3, 147–153.
| The development of a brief personality scale to measure vulnerability to postnatal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bradley R, Slade P (2011) A review of mental health problems in fathers following the birth of a child. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 29, 19–42.
| A review of mental health problems in fathers following the birth of a child.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Bronte-Tinkew J, Moore KA, Matthews G, Carrano J (2007) Symptoms of major depression in a sample of fathers of infants: sociodemographic correlates and links to father involvement. Journal of Family Issues 28, 61–99.
| Symptoms of major depression in a sample of fathers of infants: sociodemographic correlates and links to father involvement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Buist A, Morse CA, Durkin S (2003) Men’s adjustment to fatherhood: implications for obstetric health care. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing 32, 172–180.
| Men’s adjustment to fatherhood: implications for obstetric health care.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12685668PubMed |
Buist AE, Austin MPV, Hayes BA, Speelman C, Bilszta JLC, Gemmill AW, Brooks J, Ellwood D, Milgrom J (2008) Postnatal mental health of women giving birth in Australia 2002–2004: findings from the beyond blue National Postnatal Depression Program. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 42, 66–73.
| Postnatal mental health of women giving birth in Australia 2002–2004: findings from the beyond blue National Postnatal Depression Program.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18058446PubMed |
Condon JT, Boyce P, Corkindale CJ (2004) The First-Time Fathers Study: a prospective study of the mental health and wellbeing of men during the transition to parenthood. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 38, 56–64.
| The First-Time Fathers Study: a prospective study of the mental health and wellbeing of men during the transition to parenthood.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14731195PubMed |
Cook WL, Kenny DA (2005) The Actor−Partner Interdependence Model: a model of bidirectional effects in developmental studies. International Journal of Behavioral Development 29, 101–109.
| The Actor−Partner Interdependence Model: a model of bidirectional effects in developmental studies.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Cox JL, Holden JM, Sagovsky R (1987) Detection of postnatal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The British Journal of Psychiatry 150, 782–786.
| Detection of postnatal depression. Development of the 10-item Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL1c%2FgtFahtw%3D%3D&md5=90c24b5d05d905b1a47c05b79c9d51b6CAS | 3651732PubMed |
Deater-Deckard K, Pickering K, Dunn JF, Golding J (1998) Family structure and depressive symptoms in men preceding and following the birth of a child. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood Study Team. The American Journal of Psychiatry 155, 818–823.
Department of Health (Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity) (2011) ‘Births in Victoria 2007 and 2008.’ Available at http://docs.health.vic.gov.au/docs/doc/A1D52F0C89124D42CA25789D00016CE5/$FILE/HS1216_births_in_vic_07_08_WEB%20FINAL.pdf [Verified 1 May 2012]
Dimitrovsky L, Perez-Hirshberg M, Itskowitz R (1987) Locus of control and depression pre and postpartum. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 5, 235–244.
| Locus of control and depression pre and postpartum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Dudley M, Roy K, Kelk N, Bernard D (2001) Psychological correlates of depression in fathers and mothers in the first postnatal year. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 19, 187–202.
Edhborg M, Matthiesen AS, Lundh W, Widstrom AM (2005) Some early indicators for depressive symptoms and bonding 2 months postpartum – a study of new mothers and fathers. Archives of Women’s Mental Health 8, 221–231.
| Some early indicators for depressive symptoms and bonding 2 months postpartum – a study of new mothers and fathers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD2Mngt1Oltg%3D%3D&md5=4a5a30ebb1d1a24284346b17e5839182CAS | 16172838PubMed |
Fisher JR, Wynter KH, Rowe HJ (2010) Innovative psycho-educational program to prevent common postpartum mental disorders in primiparous women: a before and after controlled study. BMC Public Health 10, 432
| Innovative psycho-educational program to prevent common postpartum mental disorders in primiparous women: a before and after controlled study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20653934PubMed |
Fletcher RJ, Matthey S, Marley CG (2006) Addressing depression and anxiety among new fathers. The Medical Journal of Australia 185, 461–463.
Gao LL, Chan SWC, Mao Q (2009) Depression, perceived stress, and social support among first-time Chinese mothers and fathers in the postpartum period. Research in Nursing & Health 32, 50–58.
| Depression, perceived stress, and social support among first-time Chinese mothers and fathers in the postpartum period.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Goodman JH (2004) Paternal postpartum depression, its relationship to maternal postpartum depression, and implications for family health. Journal of Advanced Nursing 45, 26–35.
| Paternal postpartum depression, its relationship to maternal postpartum depression, and implications for family health.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14675298PubMed |
Green JM (1998) Postnatal depression or perinatal dysphoria? Findings from a longitudinal community-based study using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 16, 143–155.
| Postnatal depression or perinatal dysphoria? Findings from a longitudinal community-based study using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Gross KH, Wells CS, Radigan-Garcia A, Dietz PM (2002) Correlates of self-reports of being very depressed in the months after delivery: results from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Maternal and Child Health Journal 6, 247–253.
| Correlates of self-reports of being very depressed in the months after delivery: results from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12512766PubMed |
Holmes TH, Rahe RH (1967) The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 11, 213–218.
| The social readjustment rating scale.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaF1c%2FltVeisw%3D%3D&md5=c73739e465453933a2adbd53114a618cCAS | 6059863PubMed |
Huang CC, Warner LA (2005) Relationship characteristics and depression among fathers with newborns. The Social Service Review 79, 95–118.
| Relationship characteristics and depression among fathers with newborns.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Kenny DA, Kashy DA, Cook WL (2006) ‘Dyadic data analysis.’ (The Guilford Press: New York)
Kumar R, Robson K (1984) A prospective study of emotional disorders in childbearing women. The British Journal of Psychiatry 144, 35–47.
| A prospective study of emotional disorders in childbearing women.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL2c7gsFChuw%3D%3D&md5=8459d848191249f5bf081c75015f952fCAS | 6692075PubMed |
Leahy-Warren P, McCarthy G, Corcoran P (2012) First-time mothers: social support, maternal parental self-efficacy and postnatal depression. Journal of Clinical Nursing 21, 388–397.
| First-time mothers: social support, maternal parental self-efficacy and postnatal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21435059PubMed |
Leathers SJ, Kelley MA (2000) Unintended pregnancy and depressive symptoms among first-time mothers and fathers. The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 70, 523–531.
| Unintended pregnancy and depressive symptoms among first-time mothers and fathers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MzpsVygtg%3D%3D&md5=e94ee00fa74c0d9be6c7508476826c31CAS | 11086530PubMed |
Lee DTS, Chung TKH (2007) Postnatal depression: an update. Best Practice & Research. Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology 21, 183–191.
| Postnatal depression: an update.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Logsdon MC (2001) Psychosocial predictors of postpartum depression in diverse groups of women. Western Journal of Nursing Research 23, 563–574.
Logsdon MC, McBride AB, Birkimer JC (1994) Social support and postpartum depression. Research in Nursing & Health 17, 449–457.
| Social support and postpartum depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK2M%2FmtlWmuw%3D%3D&md5=2ba000779eba0f08aa733ea1f395b3d6CAS |
Matthey S, Barnett B, Ungerer J, Waters B (2000) Paternal and maternal depressed mood during the transition to parenthood. Journal of Affective Disorders 60, 75–85.
| Paternal and maternal depressed mood during the transition to parenthood.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3cvotlWmug%3D%3D&md5=12ca3a32da22a996d9b18f2c5cb7c2e3CAS | 10967366PubMed |
Matthey S, Barnett B, Kavanagh DJ, Howie P (2001) Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for men, and comparison of item endorsement with their partners. Journal of Affective Disorders 64, 175–184.
| Validation of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for men, and comparison of item endorsement with their partners.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3MvitlWgsw%3D%3D&md5=d6ab978f71ed8e9b92cedb9f82b83fb1CAS | 11313084PubMed |
Matthey S, Barnett B, Howie P, Kavanagh DJ (2003) Diagnosing postpartum depression in mothers and fathers: whatever happened to anxiety? Journal of Affective Disorders 74, 139–147.
| Diagnosing postpartum depression in mothers and fathers: whatever happened to anxiety?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12706515PubMed |
Mauthner NS (1998) Re-assessing the importance and role of the marital relationship in postnatal depression: methodological and theoretical implications. Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology 16, 157–175.
| Re-assessing the importance and role of the marital relationship in postnatal depression: methodological and theoretical implications.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
McCallum SM, Rowe HJ, Gurrin L, Quinlivan JA, Rosenthal DA, Fisher JRW (2011) Unsettled infant behaviour and health service use: a cross-sectional community survey in Melbourne, Australia. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 47, 818–823.
| Unsettled infant behaviour and health service use: a cross-sectional community survey in Melbourne, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21679331PubMed |
Morse CA, Buist A, Durkin S (2000) First-time parenthood: influences on pre- and postnatal adjustment in fathers and mothers. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology 21, 109–120.
| First-time parenthood: influences on pre- and postnatal adjustment in fathers and mothers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DC%2BD3cvksFWgtQ%3D%3D&md5=aa50647896c2198020cd1f055c5aa10fCAS | 10994183PubMed |
O’Hara MW (1986) Social support, life events and depression during pregnancy. Archives of General Psychiatry 43, 569–573.
| Social support, life events and depression during pregnancy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL283hsVCjsA%3D%3D&md5=0ad436863ee25ac828b6eaeded7ec519CAS | 3707289PubMed |
Paulson JF, Bazemore SD (2010) Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression. Journal of the American Medical Association 303, 1961–1969.
| Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC3cXmtl2lsb0%3D&md5=7ffcf65e2464f0278b8736698bb730e1CAS | 20483973PubMed |
Paykel ES, Emms EM, Fletcher J, Rassaby ES (1980) Life events and social support in puerperal depression. The British Journal of Psychiatry 136, 339–346.
| Life events and social support in puerperal depression.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL3c3itFKgsg%3D%3D&md5=edb6d0753b33f0ca800827101e2f0df9CAS | 7388241PubMed |
Rahe RH, Veach TL, Tolles RL, Murakami K (2000) The stress and coping inventory: an educational and research instrument. Stress Medicine 16, 199–208.
| The stress and coping inventory: an educational and research instrument.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Rayens MK, Svavarsdottir EK (2003) A new methodological approach in nursing research: an actor, partner, and interaction effect model for family outcomes. Research in Nursing & Health 26, 409–419.
| A new methodological approach in nursing research: an actor, partner, and interaction effect model for family outcomes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
Schweitzer RD, Logan GP, Strassberg D (1992) The relationship between marital intimacy and postnatal depression. Australian Journal of Marriage & Family 13, 19–23.
Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (2002) ‘Postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis. A national clinical guideline.’ Available at http://www.sign.ac.uk/guidelines/fulltext/60/index.html [Verified 1 May 2012]
Skari H, Skreden M, Malt UF, Dalholt M, Ostensen AB, Egeland T, Emblem R (2002) Comparative levels of psychological distress, stress symptoms, depression and anxiety after childbirth – a prospective population-based study of mothers and fathers. BJOG 109, 1154–1163.
Smart J, Hiscock H (2007) Early infant crying and sleeping problems: a pilot study of impact on parental well-being and parent-endorsed strategies for management. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 43, 284–290.
| Early infant crying and sleeping problems: a pilot study of impact on parental well-being and parent-endorsed strategies for management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17444831PubMed |
Soliday E, McCluskey-Fawcett K, O’Brien M (1999) Postpartum affect and depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers. The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 69, 30–38.
| Postpartum affect and depressive symptoms in mothers and fathers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaK1M7ksVantw%3D%3D&md5=da1702ffc9649e52557bc085994321caCAS | 9990434PubMed |
Wee KY, Skouteris H, Pier C, Richardson B, Milgrom J (2011) Correlates of ante- and postnatal depression in fathers: a systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders 130, 358–377.
| Correlates of ante- and postnatal depression in fathers: a systematic review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20599275PubMed |
Wilhelm K, Parker G (1988) The development of a measure of intimate bonds. Psychological Medicine 18, 225–234.
| The development of a measure of intimate bonds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:STN:280:DyaL1c3gsVSiug%3D%3D&md5=db25d862d7b10e8a8a52ae715d98a2e9CAS | 3363041PubMed |
Williamson V, McCutcheon H (2004) Postnatal depression: a review of current literature. Australian Midwifery 17, 11–16.
| Postnatal depression: a review of current literature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |
