PARENTING STRESS AND POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

Abstract

Thirty-eight mothers with postnatal depression (PND) and their spouses were assessed 3, 6 and 12 months after the birth of their infant on the Parenting Stress Index. Compared to 46 non-depressed controls, PND mothers rated their child as less reinforcing, less acceptable, less adaptable, more moody and more demanding. They rated themselves as less competent, less emotionally attached to the child, less healthy, more depressed and more socially isolated, with a poor relationship with their spouse and a more restricted lifestyle. These differences persisted over the 3–12-month period, even though the level of depression decreased. Partners of PND mothers also rated themselves, their marital relationship and their child more negatively than controls, and difficulties became more pronounced with time. Results were paralleled by the Profile of Moods Scale scores and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, which showed less consensus, less expression of affection, less satisfaction and less cohesion for PND compared to control couples. These findings suggest that the difficulties experienced are long lasting, with some deterioration over time. This was reflected by a higher separation/divorce rate in PND couples. The importance of early intervention and the impact on parent–infant attachment is discussed.