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A Self‐Determination Theory Perspective on Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Early Parenting Behaviors
Author(s) -
Brenning Katrijn,
Soenens Bart
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.22480
Subject(s) - psychology , autonomy , self determination theory , depressive symptoms , competence (human resources) , developmental psychology , clinical psychology , pregnancy , frustration , psychiatry , social psychology , anxiety , biology , political science , law , genetics
Objective On the basis of self‐determination theory, this study investigates longitudinal associations between satisfaction and frustration mothers’ basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, competence) and mothers’ postnatal depressive symptoms and early parenting behaviors. Method Participants were 214 women assessed during their pregnancy (Time 1), 4 months after delivery (Time 2), and when the child was 2 years old (Time 3). Results Results demonstrate effects of prenatal basic psychological needs (needs frustration more specifically) on postnatal depressive symptoms. In addition, general prenatal needs satisfaction and frustration predicted more relationship‐specific needs satisfaction and frustration, respectively (in the mother–child relationship). In turn, postnatal relationship‐specific needs satisfaction predicted more high‐quality parenting when the child is 2 years old. More specifically, needs satisfaction was related to more maternal responsiveness and autonomy support. Conclusion Overall, these findings underscore the importance of psychological needs experiences for both mothers’ personal adjustment after birth and for the early mother–child relationship.