Demographic, reproductive, and psychosocial predictors of mood change in the postpartum period

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine demographic, reproductive, and psychosocial predictors of mood change in the postpartum period. In a prospective design, 33 women completed either an online or paper and pencil questionnaire in Week 1 postpartum and then again a month later. Mood was measured using the combined Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory-II scores, Elation Scale total scores, as well as a composite mood scale which measured mood on a continuum from elation to depression. Significant predictors of negative mood change were history of abortion, past negative mood change in the postpartum period, high levels of perceived stress, marital dissatisfaction, problems feeding baby, less sleep than usual, weaker bond with infant, and a negative effect of premenstrual syndrome on mood.