Postpartum depressive symptoms and maternal sensitivity: an exploration of possible social media-based measures

Ana Luísa B T Dáu1, Laura S Callinan2, Linda C Mayes1

  • 1Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.

This study examined the relationship between self-reported depressive symptoms, directly observed maternal sensitivity, and the content and themes of pictures posted on a mobile application. Data on 20 participants were analyzed. Results suggested that mothers' scoring as more intrusive on the maternal sensitivity scale tended to post a higher proportion of photos of themselves interacting with their babies. An association between higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms and a lower proportion of posts of baby smiling photos was also suggested.

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