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A longitudinal study of postpartum depressive symptoms: multilevel growth curve analyses of emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and social support

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Abstract

Postpartum depression is a serious health issue affecting as many as 10–15 % of postpartum women. This longitudinal study aimed to explore how psychological variables such as cognitive emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy (BSE), and dimensions of social support predicted postpartum depressive symptoms (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). The data were collected with web-based survey questionnaires between May 2008 and December 2009, in a sample of 737 new mothers. The same questionnaire was surveyed at three points in time: 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling (level 1, time points; level 2, person). Results showed that BSE, certain cognitive emotion regulation strategies, perceived available support, and need for support predicted the rate of postpartum depressive symptoms. Only breastfeeding self-efficacy predicted change in postpartum depressive symptoms. This study illustrates the importance of psychological variables with regard to postpartum depressive symptoms. Implications for preventative efforts are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3a, Blindern, PO Box 1094, 0317, Oslo, Norway

    Silje M. Haga, Pål Ulleberg & Pål Kraft

  2. National Network for Infant Mental Health, Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Eastern and Southern Norway (R.BUP Oslo), PO Box 4623, Nydalen, 0405, Oslo, Norway

    Kari Slinning

  3. Division of Mental Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403, Oslo, Norway

    Kari Slinning

  4. Department of Gynecology and Department of Obstetrics, Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Nydalen, PO Box 0450, Oslo, Norway

    Thorbjørn B. Steen & Annetine Staff

  5. Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, P.B. 1078, Blindern, 0316, Oslo, Norway

    Annetine Staff

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  1. Silje M. Haga
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  2. Pål Ulleberg
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  3. Kari Slinning
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  4. Pål Kraft
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  6. Annetine Staff
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Correspondence to Silje M. Haga.

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Haga, S.M., Ulleberg, P., Slinning, K. et al. A longitudinal study of postpartum depressive symptoms: multilevel growth curve analyses of emotion regulation strategies, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and social support. Arch Womens Ment Health 15, 175–184 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-012-0274-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-012-0274-2

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