First-time parents’ shared representation of postpartum depressive symptoms: A qualitative analysis

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2016

Department

Psychology

Abstract

The aim of this work was to explore how couples communicate about PD symptoms. Methods: A single purposive sample of first-time parents stratified by maternal depression screening scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; EPDS) and partner status was drawn from a prospective survey of 300 parents in the U.S. Midwest. Partnered mothers with an elevated (EPDS≥10) depression screening score at one of four time points in the postpartum year comprised the majority of the sample. Smaller samples of participants with low EPDS scores and single participants were included to provide contrast in the consultation and decision making process. A total of 39 participants (22 married/EPDS-high, 10 married/EPDS-low, 5 single/ EPDS-high, 2 single/EPDS-low) were interviewed at one year postpartum. Mothers and fathers were interviewed separately to promote candid responses and allow comparison of illness conceptualizations. Interviews were transcribed, analyzed, and coded through an iterative process.

Publisher

Elsevier BV

ISSN

0277-9536

Link
COinS