The role of psychosocial support in preventing postpartum depression

Title : The role of psychosocial support in preventing postpartum depression

Abstract:

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychosocial support in Preventing Postpartum Depression (PPD). 

Background: The review of literature identified the significance of psychosocial support in mitigating the prevalence of PPD. Historically, researchers had proposed specific interventions designed to promote social support provided to mothers following childbirth. These interventions were proven to have an effective role in preventing PPD.

Design: This study utilized a descriptive mixed methodology to explore the relationship between psychosocial support and Preventing Postpartum Depression (PPD) among pregnant women in the United States. 

Methods: The study proposal was approved by the IRB committee at Montclair State University (MSU). The study sample consisted of Thirty-five (35) mothers who responded to questionnaires assessing depressive symptoms at the moment and the psychosocial support they received during the perinatal period. The PPD was measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); which is a widely used 21-item self-report questionnaire. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) was used to collect data pertinent to participants perceived social support. The quantitative data was analyzed using the most updated version of the SPSS program. The participants’ answers to the pen-ended questions yielded qualitative data; which was analyzed following Colaizzi's thematic analysis methodology. 

Results: This study successfully enrolled 35 participants, of whom 32 met the established inclusion criteria. The mean score on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was 36.59 (SD = 8.45, N = 32). The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) yielded a mean score of 65.48 (SD = 13.81, N = 31). A Pearson correlation analysis identified a significant negative correlation between BDI scores and MSPSS (r = -0.638, p < .001), indicating that higher levels of perceived social support are associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. Through thematic analysis of participant responses, one overarching theme emerged: Support. This central theme was supported by four key sub-themes regarding the participants' postpartum experiences: (1) family and peer support, (2) interprofessional support, (3) blockades to support, and (4) dire of needed support which highlighted key aspects of the postpartum experience and care priorities. 

Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the essential role of psychosocial support in addressing depression and anxiety during the postpartum period. Mothers with access to psychosocial resources reported significantly better emotional outcomes compared to those who faced postpartum challenges in isolation.

Keywords: Postpartum Depression, Social Support, Psychosocial Support, Perinatal.

Biography:

Mikky received his doctoral degree in nursing from the University of Connecticut (UCONN) in 2006. His Master degree in Nursing Education from the University of Hartford was funded by the Fulbright scholarship. He had completed special studies in cardiovascular nursing at Emory University and the program was funded by the United States Information Agency (USIA). Over the past 29 years of experience, since he had earned his BSN degree from Bethlehem University (Palestine) in 1991, he had assumed different nursing positions in various clinical and academic institutions; nationally and internationally. He received the “Carolyn Ladd Widmer Research” Award in acknowledgement of excellence in 2006. His areas of expertise include: nursing education, adult health nursing, cardiovascular nursing, and long-term care. The area of his research interest is focused on the construct of “Empowerment in Nursing”. Mikky developed the “Client Empowerment Scale – CES” to assess the empowerment level in clients with different chronic health conditions. His studies have been cited in four professional journals His scholarly work includes: conference presentations, research studies published in nursing journals, and three chapters in a handbook on transcultural nursing. Mikky has been employed as a nursing professor at Bloomfield College of Montclair State University since 2009. He has been appointed as the chairperson of the aforementioned program from July 2021-July 2023. He reviews manuscripts for four nursing Journals: Journal of Nursing Measurement, International Journal of Nursing Studies, Geriatric Nursing, International Journals of Health Planning and Management. In 2024, he participated in two international nursing conferences as a keynote speaker: Bethlehem University International Nursing Conference (May 27, 2024), and 4th Edition of the Singapore Nursing Research Conference (March 21-23, 2024). Mikky was granted Tenure at a full professor rank according to Montclair State University’s (MSU) tenure and promotion criteria effective September 2025.