An examination of the relationship between perceived spousal social support and mood state of primiparous postpartum women, and the subsequent effect on maternal role identity.

It is estimated that up to 85% of all women experience a form of mood disturbance in the postpartum period, most often in the form of postpartum blues . Up to 20% of women experience a more serious postpartum depression although accurate determination of incidence and prevalence has been challenging. Postpartum depression has considerable ramifications on cognitive and behavioural development of the infant, and integrity of the family unit. It has been generally accepted that the perception of spousal support reduces the occurrence of postpartum mood disturbance (Mercer, 1995) and contributes to effective maternal role identity and attainment (Meighen, 2002). The Perceived Social Support-Family scale (PSS-Fa) (Procidano & Heller, 1983) and Postpartum Depression Screening Scale (PDSS) (Beck & Gable, 2002) were used to collect data about postpartum mood and perceived spousal social support from 21 new mothers who were married/cohabiting with the fathers of their babies. Results showed that more than 60% of participants were showing signs of postpartum depression despite the fact that all women reported levels of perceived spousal support ranging from moderate to extremely high. (Abstract shortened by UMI.) Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2004 .R45. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-01, page: 0317. Thesis (M.Sc.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2005