Heterogeneous Mother–Pregnant Daughter Relationship Patterns and Antenatal Depressive Symptoms in First Pregnancies

• In Event: Open Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 14: Family, Relationships, and the Life Course

Abstract

Despite evidence that mother-daughter ties shape fertility decisions, pregnancy, and early motherhood, research rarely captures the multidimensional nature of this dyad or how relationship patterns relate to antenatal mental health (Pink 2018; Darvill et al. 2010; Mitchell and Green 2002). This study will specifically look at the mother-daughter relationship during the daughter’s first pregnancy – an especially critical period for this dyad – a new chapter in a woman’s life that often precipitates reflection upon her relationship with her mother (Darvill et al. 2010; Walzer 1995). Using Family Matters Study family network data, I employ a combination of latent class analysis and qualitative interview analysis to first identify underlying types of mother-pregnant daughter relationships based on support, interaction quality, and frequency of contact. Then, using linear regression, I investigate whether membership in these different latent classes is associated with antenatal depressive symptoms. The results from the regressions indicate heterogeneity in the association between mother-daughter relationships and antenatal depressive symptoms.

Author

• Julia Murrow, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill