DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMATOLOGY IN NEW MOTHERS - A STRESS AND COPING PERSPECTIVE

The aim of the present research was to test the utility of a stress-co ping model of postpartum depression. Data were collected during the la st trimester of pregnancy (n = 197) and twice after the birth (4 weeks , n = 180, and approximately 5 months, n = 163). Coping resources and depressive symptomatology were assessed at Time 1, stress and coping w ere assessed at Time 2, and depressive symptomatology and partner rati ngs of coping effectiveness were assessed at Times 2 and 3. After cont rol of the effects of initial depression, there was evidence of signif icant effects of levels of stress and coping responses on the Time 2 a nd Time 3 outcome measures. There was also some evidence linking copin g resources (particularly self-esteem and family support) to postpartu m depressive symptomatology.