Trajectories of Maternal and Paternal Internalizing Symptoms from Pregnancy to 2 Years Postpartum: Identifying...

Area of Science:

• Perinatal mental health
• Psychiatry
• Developmental psychology

Background:

• Internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, pose risks during the perinatal period.
• Limited research has broadly examined core negative affectivity underlying these disorders.
• Understanding symptom trajectories in both mothers and fathers is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the developmental trajectories of core internalizing problems in mothers and fathers throughout the perinatal period.
• To identify modifiable risk and protective factors influencing these symptom trajectories.
• To inform interventions aimed at supporting parental mental well-being.

Main Methods:

• A community sample of 159 mixed-sex couples was assessed during pregnancy and at four postpartum timepoints.
• Growth mixture modeling was employed to analyze symptom trajectories.
• Risk and protective factors were examined in relation to internalizing symptom elevations.

Main Results:

• 21.2% of mothers showed persistent clinical elevations in internalizing symptoms up to two years postpartum.
• 7.8% of fathers exhibited clinical elevations, with an additional 29.0% showing subthreshold symptoms.
• Pregnancy/childbirth concerns and paternal prenatal internalizing problems increased maternal risk; psychological flexibility, intimacy, and support protected fathers.

Conclusions:

• Persistent internalizing symptoms are prevalent in mothers and fathers during the perinatal period.
• Identifying and addressing risk factors, such as partner's mental health, is vital.
• Enhancing protective factors like psychological flexibility and relationship quality can buffer against internalizing symptoms.