Poster #95 - Mothers’ Perceptions of Fathers’ Happiness and Involvement are Associated with Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

• In Event: 2-163 - Poster Session 08
  In Poster Session: PS 08 Section - Family Context & Processes

Integrative Statement

Healthy, engaged citizens are the cornerstone of any thriving, sustainable society (Center on the Developing Child, 2010). Maternal depression (PPD) is considered a major public health concern because it affects the entire family system (Wachs, Black & Engle, 2009). Strong evidence indicates that the environments and experiences of infancy and early childhood exert a considerable influence over an individual’s future health and economic outcomes (Center on the Developing Child, 2010; Halfon, Larson, Lu, Son & Bethell, 2017). Infancy and early childhood are highly sensitive periods in the development of the infrastructure for the brain and central nervous system (Anacker, O’Donnell & Meany, 2014).
An individual’s stress reactivity develops in response to cumulative experiences with caregivers and environments. Exposure to adverse childhood experiences, such as parental depression, increases a child's risk for becoming more reactive to future stressful experiences (Center on the Developing Child, 2015). Higher stress reactivity is linked to an increased risk for depression, obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (McEwen, 2013). However, recent research suggests that the quality of early infant-mother and infant-father relationships may mediate the effects of exposure to early adversity (Center on the Developing Child, 2015).
As well, support from fathers promotes improved maternal mental health (Dennis & Letourneau, 2007).
This study examined whether mothers' ratings of fathers' pregnancy happiness and current level of parenting involvement was associated with mothers' symptoms of PPD. This study was part of a larger study examining risk and resilience for PPD in mothers of infants who required neonatal intensive care (Belanger, 2018). One hundred and twenty-five mothers of infants and toddlers currently receiving NICU care or attending the NICU Follow-Up Program, participated in the study (mean age 29.9 years, mean income $44,700, 38.6 % White, 48.0% first-time mothers). Mothers completed surveys assessing symptoms of PPD, perceptions of fathers' happiness about the pregnancy, and fathers’ current level of parenting involvement.
A hierarchical multiple regression analysis examined whether mothers' perceptions regarding fathers' pregnancy happiness and current child involvement, controlling for mothers’ personal and familial history of depression, were associated with mothers’ symptoms of PPD. The two predictors explained 15% of the variance (R2 =.20, F(2,124) = 15.80, p = .001) in mothers’ symptoms of PPD. Mothers who reported that fathers were happier about the pregnancy (β = -1.280, p. = .003) and more involved with their children (β = -1.329, p. = .04) reported fewer symptoms of PPD.
Findings confirm the importance of fathers in promoting maternal mental health. When mothers in this sample were asked, “What is helping you the most?” support from their partners was their most frequent response. However, fathers are also at risk for developing PPD. In a qualitative study of paternal mental health, fathers reported feeling unsupported and sometimes depressed (Darwin et al., 2017). Depression in one or both parents decreases the quality of care parents provide their children (Letourneau et al., 2012). Programs serving families with young children should recognize that providing broad support services for mothers and fathers is critical to promoting healthy, resilient families.

Authors

• Rose L Belanger, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
  Presenting Author

• Susan Sonnenschein, UMBC
  Non-Presenting Author

• Shuyan Sun, University of Maryland Baltimore County
  Non-Presenting Author

• Brenda Hussey-Gardner, University of Maryland School of Medicine
  Non-Presenting Author