Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
Published on: June 13, 2021
Religiosity, spirituality, and depressive symptoms in pregnant women
Joshua R Mann1, Robert E McKeown, Janice Bacon
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia 29203, USA. joshua.mann@sc.edu
Objective:
Depression during pregnancy has potential repercussions for both women and infants. Religious and spiritual characteristics may be associated with fewer depressive symptoms. This study examines the association between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms in pregnant women.
Method:
Pregnant women in three southern obstetrics practices were included in a cross sectional study evaluating religiosity, spirituality, and depressive symptoms. Symptoms of depression were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The depression outcome was measured in two ways: the EPDS score as a continuous outcome, and a score at or above the recommended EPDS cutoff (> 14). A wide array of potential confounders was addressed. Special attention was given to the interplay between religiosity/spirituality, social support, and depressive symptoms.
Results:
The mean EPDS score was 9.8 out of a maximum possible score of 30. Twenty-eight women (8.1%) scored above the recommended EPDS cutoff score. Overall religiosity/spirituality was significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms when controlling for significant covariates, but there was a significant interaction such that the association became weaker as social support increased. Social support did not appear to be an important mediator (intermediate step) in the pathway between religiosity/spirituality and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
Religiosity and spirituality may help protect from depressive symptoms when social support is lacking. Longitudinal research is needed to assess the directionality of the observed relationships.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Long-term Depression

