Testing a Moderated Mediation Model of Paternal Postpartum Depression: Roles of Attachment Styles, Parenting Stress, Maternal Depression and Marital Satisfaction


Usta E., Ar Karcı Y., Keser E.

17th European Congress of Psychology, Ljubljana, Slovenya, 5 - 08 Temmuz 2022, ss.245-246

  • Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
  • Basıldığı Şehir: Ljubljana
  • Basıldığı Ülke: Slovenya
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.245-246
  • TED Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

lthough fathers are perceived as an integral part of the family system, very little attention has been paid so far to measure paternal postpartum depression (PPD) and its possible correlates. Preliminary evidence suggested that PPD is separately associated with father-child bonding, maternal depression, dysfunctional parenting, and marital discord. However, how these psychosocial factors interact with each other regarding PPD symptoms has not been addressed yet. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate the mediating roles of parenting stress and marital adjustment on the relation between father’s attachment styles and PPD symptoms; and to inspect whether maternal depression moderated the proposed relationship. Accordingly, data was collected online from 145 father-mother dyads with newborn babies aged between 2 and 8 months. New fathers completed Paternal Postpartum Depression Scale (PPDS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Mother-Father Stress Scale (MFSS), Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS), Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R), while new mothers were given Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The proposed model was tested using PROCESS software. The possible confounding effects of parenthood readiness and socio-economic factors were controlled. Obtained results indicated that perceived parenting stress significantly mediated the relationship between paternal attachment styles and depression scores, and maternal depression significantly moderated this association. However, no significant impact was found for marital satisfaction. Findings were discussed in line with the relevant literature and clinical implications were addressed.