Abstract
This study examined contributions of the following variables to postpartum depressive symptomatology: level of antepartum depression, loss of social reinforcement, assertiveness, sex-role orientation, and work plans. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Pleasant Events Schedule (PES), Assertion Inventory, and Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) were administered to 69 women during the eighth month of pregnancy. One month after delivery, subjects were administered the PES, postdelivery questionnaire, and BDI. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that antepartum BDI scores predicted postpartum depressive symptomatology, and BSRI Femininity scores and work plans were significant negative predictors. A one-way analysis of variance of sex role orientation on postpartum BDI scores showed that undifferentiated women reported more depression than other sex role groups.
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Pfost, K.S., Lum, C.U. & Stevens, M.J. Femininity and work plans protect women against postpartum dysphoria. Sex Roles 21, 423–431 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289601
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00289601