It Takes a Village: Association of Family Social Engagement With Reduced Postpartum Depression During Psychotherapy

Social disconnection increases risk for and persistence of postpartum depression (PPD). This study examined which social activities reduce PPD during psychotherapy designed to improve social engagement with significant others.

Women with PPD (N=38) received 9 weeks of Engage & Connect, a behavioral activation psychotherapy that aims to increase social engagement. They completed weekly social activities with friends, their partner, their infant, family, or alone in a social setting. The study examined rates of engagement in each category and tested which social activities predicted PPD reduction.

Women most often engaged in social activities with friends (χ²=36.83, df=4, p<0.001, N=30); however, only engagement with family predicted PPD reduction during psychotherapy (F=5.81, df=1 and 265, p=0.02, N=30).

Women were most likely to choose social activities with friends. Engagement with family was the most beneficial for reducing PPD. These results can be used to inform future clinical recommendations.