PROBLEM-SOLVING APPRAISAL AND THE PREDICTION OF DEPRESSION DURING PREGNANCY AND IN THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD

Based on the presumed mood-regulatory properties of the problem orient ation component delineated in the social problem-solving model, a posi tive problem orientation was predicted to influence ongoing levels of positive and negative affect during pregnancy. Higher levels of positi ve affect and lower levels of negative affect would then in turn predi ct depression during pregnancy and in the postpartum period. This hypo thesis was tested in 100 women. Path analyses supported the predicted relation of the problem orientation components to trait affectivity, a nd indirectly to peripartum and postpartum depression. Trait negative and positive affectivity was also associated with peripartum depressio n, and indirectly with post depression, as expected. Implications for the integrated social problem-solving model are discussed. Recommendat ions for assessment and counseling interventions with expectant women are offered.