Digital Commons @ SPU

Partner support as a potential moderator for postpartum depression and mother-infant attachment

Postpartum depression has extreem negative effects on maternal mental health, infant development, and mother-infant attachment. This study will use a correlational and longitudinal design to examine the effect partner support has on the relationship between postpartum depression and mother-infant attachment. Two-hundred women and their partners will be recruited from Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, and given a series of self-report surveys six times throughout the first year postpartum. Partner support is expected to be a moderator to the relationship between postpartum depression and mother-infant attachment. The results may contribute to treatment of maternal mental health, workplace policies for paid paternal/family leave, and stigma around partners' remaining at home.