Cognitive factors and post‐partum depression: What is the influence of general personality traits, rumination, maternal self‐esteem, and alexithymia?. (28th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Denis, Anne; Luminet, Olivier
• Is Part Of: Clinical psychology & psychotherapy. Volume 25:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 359
• Page End: 367
• Publication Date: 2017-12-28
• Subjects: alexithymia -- maternal self‐esteem -- personality -- post‐partum depression -- rumination; Clinical psychology -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2168
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1063-3995

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: The objective was to assess the impact of cognitive factors on post‐partum depression (PPD) symptoms. Because most of the literature data concern the immediate post‐partum period or the first year post‐partum, we notably sought to assess the longer term impact of cognitive factors on the symptoms of PPD. Methods: Two studies were performed. In a pilot study, 1‐month post‐partum, 63 women filled out a sociodemographic information sheet and completed the abbreviated, revised Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, the Ruminative Responses Scale, the Maternal Self‐Report Inventory, and the Edinburgh Post‐Natal Depression Scale. In the main study, 124 women additionally completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. The main study population was divided into 2 subgroups: women in the first year post‐partum ( n = 74) and those in the second year post‐partum ( n = 50). Results: In the pilot study performed 1‐month post‐partum, brooding rumination and low self‐esteem were significant predictors of the PPD symptom intensity. Neuroticism, brooding rumination, and low maternal self‐esteem were also significant predictors of the PPD symptoms reported in the first year post‐partum. Lastly, ruminative thoughts and alexithymia were significant predictors of the PPD symptoms reported in the second year post‐partum. Conclusions: Our results suggest that alexithymia may be an important predictor of the incidence of this condition. The observation of differences in the PPD models as a function of the post‐partum period may open up opportunities for developing novel PPD prevention/treatment programs.