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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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Stigma and depression during pregnancy: does race matter?

Heather A O'Mahen1, Erin Henshaw, Janelle M Jones

  • 1Mood Disorders Centre, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom. ho215@ex.ac.uk

The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease
|April 1, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Black pregnant women experience more depression stigma than White pregnant women. This stigma impacts treatment engagement differently across racial groups, highlighting disparities in mental health care.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Health
  • Mental Health Disparities
  • Sociology of Health

Background:

  • Depression treatment rates are notably low among pregnant women, with Black women facing particularly significant barriers.
  • Stigma surrounding mental health conditions, especially depression, is a recognized obstacle to seeking and receiving care.
  • Existing research inadequately addresses racial variations in depression stigma among pregnant populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare the nature and function of depression stigma in Black and White pregnant women.
  • To identify racial differences in how depression stigma influences perceptions and behaviors related to mental health treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 532 pregnant women recruited from obstetrics settings.
  • Administration of validated measures assessing depression stigma, mood, and beliefs about secrecy.
  • Comparative analysis of stigma experiences and their correlation with depression status and secrecy beliefs across racial groups.

Main Results:

  • Black women reported higher levels of depression stigma compared to White women, irrespective of their current or past depression status.
  • Black women were more inclined than White women to believe that depression should be kept confidential.
  • In White women, depression stigma intensified with the presence of current or past depression and correlated with beliefs about secrecy; this correlation was absent in Black women.

Conclusions:

  • Significant racial disparities exist in the manifestation and impact of depression stigma among pregnant women.
  • Understanding these race-specific nuances of stigma is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions.
  • Tailored strategies are needed to overcome stigma-related barriers and improve access to depression treatment for diverse pregnant populations.