Investigating the Relationship Between Self-Compassion and Marital Satisfaction in Pregnant Women With Depression: A Cross-Sectional Study

Antenatal depression is a prevalent mental health concern that can adversely affect marital relationships. Self-compassion has emerged as a potential protective factor in improving psychological health and interpersonal relationships. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-compassion and marital satisfaction in pregnant women with depression.

In this cross-sectional analytical study, 240 pregnant women with depression were selected through convenience sampling from healthcare centers in Kermanshah, Iran. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) with a cutoff score > 12, and all participants met DSM-5 criteria for depressive symptoms. Participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale-Long Form, Hudson's Marital Satisfaction Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. The cross-sectional design and convenience sampling limit the generalizability of findings.

The mean age was 27.68 years (SD = 4.63). Logistic regression revealed that a one-unit increase in total self-compassion score was associated with a 10% increase in the odds of being in the satisfied group (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.07-1.12; p < 0.001). "Common human experience" showed the strongest association (OR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.43-1.87; p < 0.001). Positive components-self-kindness (r = 0.552), common humanity (r = 0.561), and well-being (r = 0.519)-had significant positive correlations with marital satisfaction, while negative components-self-judgment (r = -0.462), isolation (r = -0.506), and over-identification (r = -0.446)-showed significant negative correlations (all p < 0.001).

Self-compassion, particularly its positive components, is significantly associated with higher marital satisfaction in depressed pregnant women. Self-compassion-based interventions may be a promising strategy to improve marital relationship quality and maternal mental health during pregnancy.