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Abstract contents
Paper 1:
[S4- poster] A longitudinal
study of postpartum
depression: Multilevel growth
curve analyses of emotion
regulation strategies,
breastfeeding self- efficacy
and social support
Haga, Silje Marie (1,2);
Ulleberg, Pål (2); Slinning,
Kari (1); Kraft, Pål (2); Steen,
Thorbjørn (3); Staff, Anne
Cathrine (3,4)
04/10/2012 09:10:00 to
04/10/2012 18:10:00
S
Purpose: Postpartum depression (PPD) 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 (EPDS).
Method: 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 modelling (level 1: time points, level 2:
person).
Results: 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.
Conclusion: This study illustrates the importance of psychological variables with regards to postpartum depressive
symptoms. Implications for preventative efforts are discussed.