Perceived Partner Support in Pregnancy Predicts Lower Maternal and Infant Distress

Authors

Lynlee R. Tanner Stapleton, University of California - Los Angeles
Christine Dunkel Schetter, University of California - Los AngelesFollow
Erika Westling, Oregon Research Institute
Christine Rini, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Laura M. Glynn, Chapman UniversityFollow
Calvin J. Hobel, University of California - Los Angeles
Curt A. Sandman, University of California - IrvineFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

Maternal postpartum emotional distress is quite common and can pose significant risk to mothers and infants. The current study investigated mothers' relationships with their partners during pregnancy and tested the hypotheses that perception of prenatal partner support is a significant predictor of changes in maternal emotional distress from midpregnancy to postpartum, and contributes to maternal ratings of infant distress to novelty. Using a prospective longitudinal design, 272 adult pregnant women were interviewed regarding their partner support, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal security (attachment style and willingness to seek out support), and they completed standardized measures of prenatal symptoms of depression and anxiety (distress). At 6 to 8 weeks' postpartum, mothers reported these symptoms again and completed measures of their infants' temperament. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test direct and indirect contributions of partner support, relationship satisfaction, and interpersonal security to maternal and infant postpartum distress. Mothers who perceived stronger social support from their partners midpregnancy had lower emotional distress postpartum after controlling for their distress in early pregnancy, and their infants were reported to be less distressed in response to novelty. Partner support mediated the effects of mothers' interpersonal security and relationship satisfaction on maternal and infant outcomes. A high-quality, supportive partner relationship during pregnancy may contribute to improved maternal and infant well-being postpartum, indicating a potential role for partner relationships in mental health interventions, with possible benefits for infants as well.

Comments

This is a pre-copy-editing, author-produced PDF of an article accepted for publication in Journal of Family Psychology, volume 26, 2012 following peer review. This article may not exactly replicate the final version published in the APA journal. It is not the copy of record. DOI: 10.1037/a0028332

Recommended Citation

Stapleton LR*, Schetter CD, Westling E, Rini C, Glynn LM, Hobel CJ & Sandman CA (2012). Perceived partner support in pregnancy predicts lower maternal and infant distress. Journal of Family Psychology, 26, 453-463.
DOI: 10.1037/a0028332

Copyright

American Psychological Association