Does marital satisfaction mediate the relationship between maternal and paternal postpartum depression (PPD)?

Research suggests that the presence of maternal postpartum depression (PPD) increases the likelihood of experiencing paternal PPD. Low marital satisfaction is significantly related to paternal PPD. Using a sample of 372 heterosexual couples, data was gathered at 1 month and 9 months postpartum for both mothers and fathers to assess PPD and marital satisfaction. Using a multiple regression model, results suggest that marital satisfaction mediates the relationship between maternal and paternal PPD. We also found that the severity of paternal PPD symptoms were negatively correlated with marital satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of supporting the couple relationship as they transition to parenthood