Personality and Depression in Expectant Parents
Author Information
Author(s): Elda Andriola, Michela Di Trani, Annarita Grimaldi, Renato Donfrancesco
Primary Institution: Beck Institute
Hypothesis
The study aims to clarify the relationship between depression and personality in expectant parents.
Conclusion
Pregnant women show higher levels of depression and specific personality traits compared to their husbands.
Supporting Evidence
- Pregnant women had higher levels of depression than expectant fathers.
- Self-directedness was a significant predictor of depression in both pregnant women and their husbands.
- Harm avoidance was an additional predictor of depression in expectant mothers.
Takeaway
Expecting parents can feel more sad or anxious, especially moms, and certain personality traits can make this feeling stronger.
Methodology
The study used the Temperament and Character Inventory—Revised Form and the Beck Depression Inventory to assess 65 pregnant women and 37 husbands.
Potential Biases
The study may not accurately reflect the general population due to the lack of a control group.
Limitations
The sample size is small, and there is no control group of non-pregnant women.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 65 pregnant women and 37 husbands, all were primiparas and Caucasian.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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