Shadows of the past - Hierarchical regression analyses on the role of childhood maltreatment experiences for postpartum depression

Abstract

Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental disorders in parents after birth. To develop tailored preventive programs, it is necessary to identify risk factors for PPD in parents. This study aimed to examine the impact of parental childhood maltreatment (CM) as a risk factor for PPD.

Methods: Data from a German study comprising n = 349 mothers and n = 46 fathers were used. Hierarchical regression models were performed to examine CM, educational background, single parenthood, emotion regulation and attachment style as predictors of symptoms of PPD. In exploratory analyses, potential mediators (i.e., parenting stress and emotion regulation) were investigated via a path model.

Results: CM, low level of education, difficulties in emotion regulation, and attachment anxiety were significant predictors for maternal PPD [R² = 0.52, F (6, 305) = 57.99, p < .001]. For fathers, difficulties in emotion regulation were identified as a predictor [R² = 0.43, F (6, 24) = 4.78, p < .01]. In exploratory analyses, emotion regulation served as a mediator for the link between CM and PPD as well as for the link between CM and parenting stress.

Limitations: The study design is cross-sectional and based on self-report questionnaires. Despite our attempts, only few fathers participated in the study, resulting in an underpowered sample for the regression analyses.

Conclusions: The study confirmed the assumption that CM experiences represent a risk factor for the development of maternal PPD. Emotion regulation might provide a pivotal target for interventions with parents at-risk.

Keywords: Childhood maltreatment; Emotion regulation; Postpartum depression.