scholarly journals Postpartum Depression and Mother-offspring Conflict over Maternal Investment

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika Gunst ◽  
My Sundén ◽  
Riikka Korja ◽  
Amy Boddy ◽  
Jennifer Kotler ◽  
...  

Background and objectives: As the mother-offspring relationship is central to human reproduction, postpartum depression symptoms are difficult to explain in evolutionary terms. We proposed that postpartum depression might arise as a result of evolutionary mother-offspring conflict over maternal investment, and investigated the association between postpartum depression symptoms, infant night waking, maternal sleep disturbance and breastfeeding frequency. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using survey responses at six months postpartum from 1598 Finnish mothers. We hypothesized that infant night waking at six months postpartum would be associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and that this association would be mediated by maternal sleep disturbance and a higher breastfeeding frequency.Results: Infant night waking was moderately associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and this association was mediated by maternal sleep disturbance (R2 = .09). Contrary to our prediction, we found that increased breastfeeding was associated with less postpartum depression symptoms. Conclusions and implications: We conclude that postpartum depression symptoms might partly be the result of increased maternal fatigue stemming from high offspring demands on maternal investment, but that this is not due to the metabolic strain from increased breastfeeding. Studying postpartum depression from the mother-offspring conflict perspective can potentially improve our understanding of the involved behavioral processes of both mother and offspring, and allow interventions designed to benefit the well-being of both parties.

Author(s):  
Annika Gunst ◽  
My Sundén ◽  
Riikka Korja ◽  
Amy M Boddy ◽  
Jennifer Kotler ◽  
...  

Structured Abstract Background and objectives As the mother-offspring relationship is central to human reproduction, postpartum depression symptoms are difficult to explain in evolutionary terms. We proposed that postpartum depression might arise as a result of evolutionary mother-offspring conflict over maternal investment, and investigated the association between postpartum depression symptoms, infant night waking, maternal sleep disturbance and breastfeeding frequency. Methodology We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using survey responses at six months postpartum from 1598 Finnish mothers. We hypothesized that infant night waking at six months postpartum would be associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and that this association would be mediated by maternal sleep disturbance and a higher breastfeeding frequency. Results Infant night waking was moderately associated with postpartum depression symptoms, and this association was mediated by maternal sleep disturbance (R2 = .09). Contrary to our prediction, we found that increased breastfeeding was associated with less postpartum depression symptoms. Conclusions and implications We conclude that postpartum depression symptoms might partly be the result of increased maternal fatigue stemming from high offspring demands on maternal investment, but that this is not due to the metabolic strain from increased breastfeeding. Studying postpartum depression from the mother-offspring conflict perspective can potentially improve our understanding of the involved behavioral processes of both mother and offspring, and allow interventions designed to benefit the well-being of both parties.


2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 147470492110461
Author(s):  
Annika Gunst ◽  
Elin Sjöström ◽  
My Sundén ◽  
Jan Antfolk

To test the hypothesis that infant night waking is an adaptation to increase interbirth intervals (IBIs) (i.e., the time between a mother’s consecutive births) by exhausting the mother, we made an initial attempt at investigating whether maternal sleep disturbance is associated with longer IBIs. We also explored whether postpartum depression symptoms mediated the association between maternal sleep disturbance and IBI length. We used retrospective self-reports from 729 mothers living in Finland. We conducted structural regressions separately for the mother’s two first children at two different age intervals (0–1 and 1–3 years). Infant night waking was associated with maternal sleep disturbance (β  =  .78–.84) and maternal sleep disturbance was associated with postpartum depression symptoms (β  =  .69–.81). Postpartum depression symptoms were also associated with longer IBIs for the first child (β  =  .23–.28). This result supports the notion that postpartum depression in and of itself could be viewed as adaptive for the offspring’s fitness, and not just as an unintentional byproduct of the mother’s sleep disturbance. Contrary to our prediction, maternal sleep disturbance was, however, associated with shorter IBIs for the first child (β  =  −.22 to −.30) when including postpartum depression symptoms in the model. We discuss the potential role of social support as an explanation for this unexpected result.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030573562097698
Author(s):  
Jolan Kegelaers ◽  
Lewie Jessen ◽  
Eline Van Audenaerde ◽  
Raôul RD Oudejans

Despite growing popular interest for the mental health of electronic music artists, scientific research addressing this topic has remained largely absent. As such, the aim of the current study was to examine the mental health of electronic music artists, as well as a number of determinants. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, a total of 163 electronic music artists participated in this study. In line with the two-continua model of mental health, both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being were adopted as indicators for mental health. Furthermore, standardized measures were used to assess potential determinants of mental health, including sleep disturbance, music performance anxiety, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, occupational stress, resilience, and social support. Results highlighted that around 30% of participants experienced symptoms of depression/anxiety. Nevertheless, the majority of these participants still demonstrated at least moderate levels of functioning and well-being. Sleep disturbance formed a significant predictor for both symptoms of depression/anxiety and well-being. Furthermore, resilience and social support were significant predictors for well-being. The results provide a first glimpse into the mental health challenges experienced by electronic music artists and support the need for increased research as well as applied initiatives directed at safeguarding their mental health.


Author(s):  
Shinya Ito ◽  
Mie Sasaki ◽  
Satoko Okabe ◽  
Nobuhiro Konno ◽  
Aya Goto

Young women in their late teens and early 20s are at the highest risk for depression onset. The present study aimed to assess depressive symptoms among female college students in Fukushima. More specifically, it aimed to clarify factors predicting possible symptom profiles, with an emphasis on determining how nuclear radiation risks affect the reporting of depression symptoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 310 female students at a college in the Fukushima prefecture, Japan, in December 2015, and 288 participants submitted valid questionnaires. In total, 222 (77.1%) participants lived in Fukushima at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake. The measures included the World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index, the Fukushima Future Parents Attitude Measure, and risk perception of radiation health effects. A total of 46.5% of participants reported depressive symptoms. Path analysis revealed that higher radiation risk perceptions and reduced efficacy with reproduction related to a decline in self-esteem and self-efficacy, which was subsequently associated with increased depressive symptoms. These findings highlight the importance of radiation education among children and young adults, both after a nuclear accident and during disaster preparation, particularly in the context of reproductive and mental health.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annika McGivern ◽  
Stephen Shannon ◽  
Gavin Breslin

Purpose This paper aims to conduct the first cross-sectional survey on depression, Resilience, well-being, depression symptoms and concussion levels in equestrian athletes and to assess whether past concussion rates were associated with depression, resilience and well-being. Design/methodology/approach In total, 511 participants from Canada, Republic of Ireland, UK, Australia and USA took part in an international cross-sectional, online survey evaluating concussion history, depression symptoms, resilience and well-being. Findings In total, 27.1% of athletes met clinically relevant symptoms of major depressive disorder. Significant differences were shown in the well-being and resilience scores between countries. Significant relationships were observed between reported history of concussion and both high depression scores and low well-being scores. Practical implications Findings highlight the need for mental health promotion and support in equestrian sport. Social implications Results support previous research suggesting a need for enhanced mental health support for equestrians. There is reason to believe that mental illness could still be present in riders with normal levels of resilience and well-being. Originality/value This study examined an understudied athlete group: equestrian athletes and presents important findings with implications for the physical and mental health of this population.


2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S44-S44
Author(s):  
Mary E Dozier

Abstract Sleep is an often overlooked health factor, particularly in older adults. Sleep disturbance is associated with increased functional impairment as well as poorer cognitive, mental, and physical health trajectories. Understanding the clinical impact of disturbed sleep, and the optimal targets for intervention, is critical for the promotion of health and well-being in older adults. This symposium will highlight recent findings that advance the extant knowledge on the interplay of sleep disturbance and physical and psychiatric co-morbidities in older adults across a variety of settings. Darina V. Petrovsky will discuss the impact of medical, demographic, and contextual factors on excessive daytime sleepiness in older adults receiving long-term services and supports. Kathi L. Heffner will present data on a recent study examining change in slow wave sleep, and subsequent change in osteoarthritis pain, following insomnia treatment. Courtney Bolstad will discuss the differential impact of onset, maintenance, and terminal insomnia on anxiety and depression symptoms in community-dwelling older adults. Eliza Davidson will present research on the association between sleep disturbance and hoarding symptoms in older adults engaged in behavioral interventions for hoarding disorder. Finally, Christina McCrae will discuss the relationship between sleep and cognition in older adults with insomnia.


Author(s):  
Lauren Thomaier ◽  
Deanna Teoh ◽  
Patricia Jewett ◽  
Heather Beckwith ◽  
Helen Parsons ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionCancer care is significantly impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the emotional well-being of oncology providers across the United States and explore factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms.Methods and MaterialsA cross-sectional survey was administered to United States cancer-care physicians recruited over a two-week period (3/27/2020 – 4/10/2020) using snowball-convenience sampling through social media. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4).ResultsOf 486 participants, 374 (77.0%) completed the PHQ-4: mean age 45.7±9.6 years; 63.2% female; all oncologic specialties were represented. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 62.0% and 23.5%, respectively. Demographic factors associated with anxiety included female sex, younger age, and less time in clinical practice. Perception of inadequate PPE (68.6% vs. 57.4%, p=0.03) and practicing in a state with more COVID-19 cases (65.8% vs. 51.1%, p=0.01) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Factors significantly associated with both anxiety and depression included: degree to which COVID-19 has interfered with the ability to provide treatment to cancer patients and concern that patients will not receive the level of care needed for non-COVID-19 illness (all p-values <0.01).ConclusionThe prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among oncology physicians in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. Our findings highlight factors associated with and sources of psychological distress to be addressed to protect the well-being of oncology physicians.


Author(s):  
Alyson Mahar ◽  
Christina Reppas-Rindlisbacher ◽  
Megan Edgelow ◽  
Shailee Siddhpuria ◽  
Julie Hallet ◽  
...  

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic, including associated public health measures such as travel restrictions, cancellation of elective surgeries, and the closure of public spaces and retail services (full list available at: https://github.com/jajsmith/COVID-19NonPharmaceuticalInterventions ), has resulted in risks to the health and well-being of Veterans, including disruptions to healthcare, loss of income, social isolation, and viral infection and mortality. Although a few studies are ongoing to better understand who may be at greatest risk, little is known about how Veterans experienced the pandemic and what coping strategies they employed at the outset. This infographic summarizes national cross-sectional survey responses collected from 210 Veterans aged 55 years and older who participated in the Canadian COVID-19 Coping Study between May-June 2020 (Women’s College Hospital Research Ethics Board REB # 2020-0045-E). The average age of Veterans who participated was 72 years; 29% were female, 93% completed the survey in English and 84% were retired. This population is older and more likely to be female than the gen-eral Veteran population.4 None of the Veterans included in this study had been diagnosed with COVID-19 at the time of study. A total of 11% had a family member or friend with a diagnosis or symptoms, and less than 5% had a family member or friend hospitalized, or who died as a result of COVID-19.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S155-S155
Author(s):  
K. Argyropoulos ◽  
G. Andreou ◽  
D. Avramidis ◽  
P. Gourzis ◽  
G. Charalambous ◽  
...  

IntroductionPostpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition. Untreated PPD places the mother and infant at risk and is associated with significant long-term effects on child development and behavior.ObjectivesAppropriate screening for and prompt recognition and treatment of depression after the birth of a child are essential for maternal and child well-being.AimsThe purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of PPD in the first 5 days after the birth of a neonate and to investigate associations with several risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 mothers, in a public obstetric hospital in Nicosia, Cyprus. A questionnaire was administered including socio-demographic characteristics. The Greek version of the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS), a 10–item questionnaire to identifying women who are at risk of PPD, was used to estimate depression among the participants.ResultsAccording to EPDS, 42% of the mothers screened positive for risk of developing PPD. Higher risk was observed in very young mothers (<20 years) (66.6% vs 15%), in women with history of psychological disorders (86.95% vs 33.85%), in single mothers (71.69% vs 22.8%), in women with serious problems during the pregnancy (74% vs 23.95%) and in mothers with not healthy neonate (75.7% vs 32.4%).ConclusionThe study reveals a high prevalence of PPD and identifies various risk factors associated with developing PPD. The use of maternal depression screening programs such as the EPDS may help to recognize an elevated risk of postpartum depression and to ensure a healthier mother-child relationship.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseba Wulff ◽  
Agneta Malmgren Fänge ◽  
Connie Lethin ◽  
Carlos Chiatti

Abstract Background Around 50 million people worldwide are diagnosed with dementia and this number is due to triple by 2050. The majority of persons with dementia receive care and support from their family, friends or neighbours, who are generally known as informal caregivers. These might experience symptoms of depression and anxiety as a consequence of caregiving activities. Due to the different welfare system across European countries, this study aimed to investigate factors associated with self-reported depression and anxiety among informal dementia caregivers both in Sweden and Italy, to ultimately improve their health and well-being. Methods This comparative cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Italian UP-TECH (n = 317) and the Swedish TECH@HOME (n = 89) studies. Main outcome variables were the severity of self-reported anxiety and depression symptoms, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). HADS scores were investigated using descriptive and bivariate statistics to compare means and standard deviations. Linear regressions were used to test for associations between potential factors and self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. Results Italian informal caregivers reported more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than Swedish caregivers. In Italy, a higher number of hours of caregiving was associated with anxiety symptoms (β = − 1.205; p = 0.029), being 40–54 years-old with depression symptoms (β = − 1.739; p = 0.003), and being female with symptoms of both depression (β = − 1.793; p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = 1.474; p = 0.005). In Sweden, a higher number of hours of caregiving and being < 39 years-old were associated with depression symptoms (β = 0.286; p < 0.000; β = 3.945; p = 0.014) and a higher number of hours of caregiving, the lack of additional informal caregivers and dementia severity were associated with anxiety symptoms (β = 0.164; p = 0.010; β = − 1.133; p = 0.033; β = − 1.181; p = 0.031). Conclusion Multiple factors are associated with self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety among informal caregivers in Sweden and Italy. Factors found in this study partly differ between the two countries, suggesting the important role of cultural and social factors affecting the experience of caregiving. A deeper knowledge of these factors may increase the knowledge on potential protective and risk factors, provide information to policymakers and ultimately improve the psychological well-being of informal caregivers to people with dementia across Europe.


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