Proposed Study: Perceived Racial Discrimination, Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, and the Moderating Role of Perceived Culturally Competent Care
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Date of Award
Summer 8-1-2026
Document Type
Applied Project
Degree Name
Master of Science in Research Psychology (MS)
Department
Psychology
Supervisor
Dr. Jenny Lee Vaydich
Second Reader
Dr. Jessica Fossum
Keywords
maternal health, postpartum, discrimination, healthcare
Abstract
Postpartum depressive symptoms (PPDS) affect a substantial proportion of birthing individuals in the United States, with racial and ethnic minority women experiencing disproportionately higher rates alongside lower rates of diagnosis and treatment. Perceived racial discrimination in healthcare settings has been identified as a contributing factor to this disparity, yet little research has examined what protective factors might buffer this relationship. This study proposes to examine the association between perceived racial discrimination and PPDS among postpartum women in Washington state, with particular attention to racial minority populations, and to test whether perceived culturally competent care moderates this relationship. Using a cross-sectional survey design (N = 549), postpartum women 4–12 months after birth will be recruited through hospitals, pediatric clinics, OB/GYN and midwifery practices, and WIC program sites across Washington. Participants will complete validated measures of perceived racial discrimination, depressive symptoms, and perceived culturally competent care. It is hypothesized that perceived racial discrimination will be positively associated with PPDS (H1), that perceived culturally competent care will be negatively associated with PPDS (H2), and that perceived culturally competent care will moderate the discrimination–PPDS relationship such that this association is attenuated among women who perceive higher-quality, culturally competent care (H3). Findings from this study are intended to inform provider training priorities, postpartum screening and referral practices, and state-level maternal health policy, while identifying culturally competent care as a potential leverage point for reducing racial disparities in postpartum mental health outcomes.
Recommended Citation
James, Natanya; Ferris, Joanna; and Mascarenas, Bryant, "Proposed Study: Perceived Racial Discrimination, Postpartum Depressive Symptoms, and the Moderating Role of Perceived Culturally Competent Care" (2026). Research Psychology Theses. 39.
https://digitalcommons.spu.edu/rpsy_etd/39