Peripartum Depression, Traditional Culture, and Israeli Society. Issue 8 (3rd August 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dekel, Sharon; Stanger, Varda; Georgakopoulos, Emily R; Stuebe, Caren M; Dishy, Gabriella A
• Other Names: Verdeli Helen guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 72:Issue 8(2016:Aug.)
• Page Start: 784
• Page End: 794
• Publication Date: 2016-08-03
• Subjects: peripartum depression -- traditional culture -- posttraumatic stress symptoms -- ultra‐Orthodox -- Israel; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22360
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Although it is known that culture affects psychopathology, the nature of the relationship between culture and peripartum depression (PPD) is not fully understood. Here we report on 2 cases of Israeli women who are affiliated with traditional cultural groups that emphasize reproduction but developed PPD after childbirth. The first woman is an ultra‐Orthodox Israeli Jew and the second is an Israeli Arab. The 2 cases illustrate the effect of cultural beliefs and rituals on the conceptualization, treatment, and trajectory of PPD. The cases suggest a complex relationship between traditional cultures and PPD, including the possibility that cultural factors may have both adaptive and maladaptive consequences. Future qualitative and quantitative studies are needed to further clarify this relationship.