The relationship of postpartum depression with dyadic coping strategies and relationship satisfaction

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between postpartum depression, dyadic coping strategies, and relationship satisfaction. METHODS: This study was designed as a descriptive cross-section. The study was conducted in 10 Family Health Centers in Southern Turkey. The study included 285 mothers who were registered to these Family Health Centers and who had babies aged 1–12 months. Interviews with mothers were held in a private room at the Family Health Centers between June 1, 2022, and June 1, 2023, and the data were collected in this room. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Dyadic Coping Inventory, the Relationship Assessment Scale, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. RESULTS: In the study, we found that 28.4% (n=81) of the mothers had postpartum depression. It was found that mothers with postpartum depression had significantly lower self-dyadic coping behaviors, and their partners had lower dyadic coping behaviors and lower joint dyadic coping behaviors than those of mothers without postpartum depression (p<0.05). The relationship satisfaction of mothers with postpartum depression was significantly lower than that of mothers without postpartum depression (p<0.05). As a result of the regression analysis, the mother’s self-dyadic coping behaviors, partner’s dyadic coping with stress, and relationship satisfaction were found to be significant risk factors for postpartum depression (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, mothers with poor dyadic coping strategies and low relationship satisfaction were more likely to experience postpartum depression.