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Maternal postadoption depression, unmet expectations, and personality traits
Karen J Foli1, Susan C South, Eunjung Lim
1College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University School of Nursing, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. kfoli@purdue.edu
Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association
|September 8, 2012
Summary
Adoptive mothers with lower emotional stability may be at higher risk for postadoption depression. Understanding personality traits and unmet expectations is crucial for supporting maternal mental health during the transition to parenthood.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Maternal Health
- Adoption Studies
Background:
- Postadoption depression affects many adoptive parents in the U.S.
- Limited understanding of personality traits linked to depression in adoptive mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between personality traits, unmet expectations, and maternal postadoption depression.
- To identify personality factors associated with depressive symptoms in adoptive mothers.
Main Methods:
- 136 adoptive mothers completed surveys assessing depressive symptoms (CES-D, EPDS) and personality traits (Five-Factor Model).
- Correlational and regression analyses were used to explore associations between personality, expectations, and depression.
Main Results:
- All Five-Factor Model personality traits were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms.
- Emotional stability explained approximately 36% of the variance in depressive symptoms (p < .0001).
- Mothers with aligned pre- and postplacement expectations were more emotionally stable and extraverted.
Conclusions:
- Low maternal emotional stability is a risk factor for postadoption depressive symptoms.
- Assessing adoptive mothers for depressive symptoms, emotional stability, and unmet expectations is recommended for supportive care.
- Addressing maternal emotional well-being is vital for positive mother-child relationships during the postadoption transition.
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