The Psychosocial Work Environment and Maternal Postpartum Depression

Background Postpartum depression is a debilitating mental disorder affecting women after childbirth. This study examined the correlates of postpartum depression at 11 weeks after childbirth, focusing on work-related stressors and applying the job demand–control–support model. Method Investigators re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of behavioral medicine 2009-12, Vol.16 (4), p.339-346
Main Authors: Dagher, Rada K., McGovern, Patricia M., Alexander, Bruce H., Dowd, Bryan E., Ukestad, Laurie K., McCaffrey, David J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression, Postpartum - psychology
Family Medicine
Female
General Practice
Health Psychology
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Job Satisfaction
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Mothers
Mothers - psychology
Postpartum depression
Postpartum period
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Regression Analysis
Social Environment
Work environment
Workplace
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Summary:Background Postpartum depression is a debilitating mental disorder affecting women after childbirth. This study examined the correlates of postpartum depression at 11 weeks after childbirth, focusing on work-related stressors and applying the job demand–control–support model. Method Investigators recruited a prospective cohort of 817 employed Minnesota women when hospitalized for childbirth in 2001. Trained interviewers collected data in person and by telephone at enrollment and 5 and 11 weeks postpartum from three Minneapolis and St. Paul hospitals. Results Results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that worse depression scores (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) were associated with higher psychological demands, lower schedule autonomy, and lower perceived control over work and family. Perceptions of control mediated the relationships of coworker support and schedule autonomy with postpartum depression scores. Study findings showed no significant buffering effects for decision latitude; however, coworker support and decision latitude appear to act as functional substitutes in reducing postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusion These findings raise questions about the applicability of the job demand–control–support model to postpartum women or to postpartum depression. Future research could assess the impact of the interaction between the work and home environment on maternal postpartum depression.
ISSN:1070-5503
1532-7558
DOI:10.1007/s12529-008-9014-4