'Shame is recognised guilt': defining postpartum guilt and shame using a content analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Maternal Mental Health
• Sociology

Background:

• The initial 16 weeks postpartum present significant challenges for new mothers, often leading to increased emotional distress.
• Guilt and shame are prevalent emotions during the postpartum period.
• Existing research lacks a UK-specific focus and does not fully capture the unique experiences of the early postpartum phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and conceptualize guilt and shame among new mothers in the UK.
• To explore the specific experiences of guilt and shame within the first 16 weeks postpartum.
• To address research gaps concerning postpartum emotional distress in a UK context.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 20 UK mothers aged 25-35.
• Participants provided their own definitions of guilt and shame.
• Content analysis was applied to the interview data to identify thematic clusters.

Main Results:

• Guilt was defined as a behaviorally tied moral emotion.
• Shame was defined as a socially tied moral emotion.
• Four key themes emerged: moral transgressions, external judgment, feelings of inadequacy, and low mood/avoidance behaviors.

Conclusions:

• The study provides distinct, parenting-specific definitions of guilt and shame.
• Understanding the nuances between guilt and shame is crucial for postpartum mental health support.
• Recommendations include addressing public attitudes towards mental health help-seeking, funding peer support, and enhancing practitioner training.