Trait vulnerability and coping strategies in the transition to motherhood |
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Authors: | Avi Besser and Beatriz Priel |
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Institution: | (1) York University, Toronto;(2) Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Israel |
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Abstract: | Using a prospective design, we explored the role of approach and emotional/avoidance-coping strategies in the relations between
dependent and self-critical trait vulnerabilities and postpartum depressive symptoms among first-time mothers. It was assumed
that dependency and self-criticism associate with approach and emotional/ avoidance strategies respectively, and that approach-coping
strategies moderate trait vulnerabilities to depressive symptoms after childbirth. One hundred forty-six first pregnancy participants
were assessed during the third trimester of pregnancy and eight weeks postpartum. Dependency was found to associate positively
with high approach and low emotional/avoidance-coping strategies, while self-criticism was found to correlate positively with
high emotional/avoidance and low approachcoping strategies. In addition, approach-coping scores were found to moderate selfcritical
trait vulnerability, reducing self-critical participants' depressive symptoms, thus confirming the coping effectiveness hypothesis.
Results suggest that personality dispositions may affect the selection of coping processes, but that specific coping strategies
are effective beyond personality characteristics, moderating the association between trait vulnerabilities and depressive
symptoms. We propose a model in which self-criticism functions as vulnerability to depressive symptoms in the childbearing
period. Our results illustrate the need to distinguish dependent and selfcritical personality traits, and point to the need
to integrate personality and contextual factors in the study of childbirth depressive symptoms. |
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