Postpartum Anger: A Narrative Review

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the trends of research on postpartum anger experienced by women after childbirth, through a narrative review. Methods: Articles published from 2008 to 2018 were searched in seven electronic databases using combinations of the terms 'anger', 'angry', 'aggress*', and 'postpartum'. Results: Ultimately seven studies were selected and analyzed. Six of the quantitative studies and one qualitative study were included and postpartum anger or anger was found to be measured in all six quantitative studies. Postpartum anger was influenced by hostility during pregnancy and women’s dependence and self-criticism of women after childbirth. Attachment with parents in the past and affection between married couples in the present influenced the expression and management of anger. Conclusion: The results indicated that postpartum anger was influenced by internal and external factors such as the individual characteristics of women, past experiences, current marital relations and social support. However, there was no study focusing on postpartum anger and related factors in domestic context. Thus, we suggest future studys which clarify the concept of postpartum anger and its measurement so that awareness of postpartum anger can be improved and mediation could be developed.restrictio