The Role of Social Isolation as a Predetermining Factor for Postpartum Depression Development: A Literature Review

Postpartum depression is a globally prevalent, widespread issue among women following childbirth that primarily causes severe, distressing reverberations in the mother. Additionally, these afflictions endured by the mother can further impact the infant, spouse, and other individuals in the household. Research has identified numerous risk factors for postpartum depression; however, the role of social isolation in the development of postpartum depression is underrepresented in literature. The purpose of this literature review is to identify the role of social isolation as a predetermining factor for the development of postpartum depression. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were utilized to conduct and guide a systematic search of available literature. A total of 22 articles that were specific to the development of postpartum depression and that primarily focused on social isolation in regard to development of postpartum depression were included for review. After a thorough review of the literature, four key themes emerged. The four key themes identified included a lack of support, individuals or groups who have commonly become marginalized or isolated in society (i.e. immigrants, refugees, etc.), a loss of identity, and the fear of being an unfit mother. These themes correlated directly with the relationship of social isolation being a predetermined factor for the development of postpartum depression. Future research is needed to ascertain this correlation, and further investigation should identify specific interventions to prevent the development of postpartum depression.Bachelor of Scienc