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Physiological linkage in pregnancy: Couples' cortisol, negative conflict behavior, and postpartum depression
Mona Khaled1, Geoffrey W Corner1, Alyssa Morris1
1Department of Clinical Science, University of Southern California, 3620 McClintock Ave, USA; Department of Psychology, SGM 501, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
Biological Psychology
|March 13, 2021
Summary
Couple cortisol linkage during pregnancy, reflecting shared physiological responses, is associated with healthier interactions and fewer postpartum depressive symptoms, particularly for fathers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Physiology
- Sociology
Background:
- Physiological concordance within couples, or "cortisol linkage," may indicate relationship quality.
- Understanding these dynamics during the transition to parenthood is crucial for mental health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate couple cortisol linkage during pregnancy.
- To examine associations between cortisol linkage, negative conflict behaviors, and postpartum depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-two expectant couples participated.
- Salivary cortisol samples were collected six times during a lab visit.
- Couples engaged in a conflict discussion and reported postpartum depressive symptoms.
Main Results:
- Couples showed significant positive cortisol linkage.
- Lower negative conflict behavior was linked to stronger cortisol linkage.
- Stronger cortisol linkage predicted fewer postpartum depressive symptoms in fathers.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal "cortisol linkage" may reflect healthier couple interactions.
- Enhanced physiological synchrony during pregnancy benefits fathers' postpartum mental health.
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