Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 20, 2025
06:39
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
3.4K
Predictors of postpartum depression in first-time fathers
Anne M Howarth1, Nicola R Swain1
1Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand.
Summary
Twelve percent of first-time fathers in New Zealand experienced paternal postpartum depression (PPPD). Predictors included prior depression, family satisfaction, birth interventions, and pregnancy anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Family Studies
Background:
- Paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) affects many men, negatively impacting families.
- Recognizing and addressing PPPD is crucial for paternal and familial well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of PPPD in first-time fathers in New Zealand.
- To identify key predictors associated with PPPD in this population.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from 116 men using questionnaires.
- Data collection points included 24 and 36 weeks gestation, post-birth, and 6 months postpartum.
- The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to assess PPPD at 6 months.
Main Results:
- Twelve percent of participants met the criteria for PPPD.
- Significant predictors of PPPD included previous depression, lower family life satisfaction, unmet expectations, birth interventions, partner's pain management, and pregnancy anxiety.
Conclusions:
- PPPD requires recognition and effective treatment strategies.
- Further research into paternal mental health is essential to support fathers and families.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
353
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
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...
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...
353
01:28Relationship with Parents: Attachment
164
Parent-child interactions lay the foundation for how we understand relationships throughout life. These interactions are not uniform across families; instead, they are shaped by a range of environmental, emotional, and behavioral factors unique to each caregiver-child dynamic. Social psychologists study these early relationships to understand how patterns formed in infancy influence social functioning and interpersonal behavior in adulthood.Attachment Theory and Early Relational ModelsJohn...
164
01:29Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
382
Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
382
01:18Depression: Overview
662
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
662
01:30Socioemotional Development during Infancy
337
Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
Primary Temperament Types
337
01:18Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
132
Self-esteem, a crucial component of psychological development, is significantly shaped by familial experiences. The early parent-child relationship serves as a foundational influence on a child's self-concept, with long-lasting effects extending into adolescence and adulthood.Parental Behaviors and Early Self-Esteem FormationEmpirical studies have identified four principal parental behaviors that foster healthy self-esteem in children. These include expressions of acceptance, affection, and...
132