Postpartum depression in a military sample
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Appolonio, K., & Fingerhut, R. (2008). Postpartum depression in a military sample. Military Medicine, 173(11), 1085-1091. doi:10.7205/MILMED.173.11.1085
Abstract Created by REACH:
An exploratory study of rates and psychosocial risk factors (e.g., prenatal anxiety and depression, low self-esteem life stress, etc.) of postpartum depression in the military was conducted at Wilford Hall Medical Center with active duty women Service members. Initial results showed higher rates of postpartum symptoms in military population than civilian, however no correlation between symptoms and marital status or military factors.
Focus:
Mental health
Branch of Service:
Air Force
Army
Multiple branches
Navy
Military Affiliation:
Guard
Reserve
Subject Affiliation:
Active duty service member
Guard/Reserve member
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Empirical Study
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Appolonio, Kathryn K., Fingerhut, Randy
Abstract:
Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 1 in 8 mothers and has many negative implications. Studies show particular risk factors are linked with PPD. There are nearly 200,000 women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, but little is known regarding PPD and active duty (AD) mothers. This study examined rates and risk factors for AD mothers and found that 19.5% were positive for PPD symptoms. Ten significant psychosocial factors were associated with PPD, including low self-esteem, prenatal anxiety, prenatal depression, history of previous depression, social support, poor marital satisfaction, life stress, child care stress, difficult infant temperament, and maternity blues. This study has implications for prevention, identification, and treatment of AD military women with PPD. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved)
Publisher/Sponsoring Organization:
Association of Military Surgeons
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Author Affiliation:
Clinical Health Psychology, Wilford Hall Medical Center, KKA
Department of Psychology, Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, La Salle University, RF
Keywords:
postpartum depression, military personnel, human females, risk factors
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
Sponsors:
American Psychological Association, Division 19, Society for Military Psychology, US