Adaptive and maladaptive dimensions of relatedness and self-definition: Relationship with postpartum depression and anxiety

Abstract

This study investigated the role of adaptive and maladaptive personality dimensions associated with self-definition and relatedness as measured by the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire (DEQ; Blatt, D’Afflitti, & Quinlan, 1976) in a sample of 244 young mothers. It was hypothesized that only maladaptive personality dimensions related to self-definition and relatedness (i.e., Self-Critical Perfectionism and Dependency), but not adaptive dimensions (i.e., Efficacy and Relatedness), would be associated with severity of depression and anxiety in the postpartum period. In addition, it was hypothesized that Dependency would be more strongly associated with anxiety symptoms, while Self-Critical Perfectionism was expected to be more strongly related to severity of depression. Results showed that, as expected, Self-Critical Perfectionism, but not Efficacy, was related to depressive feelings in the postpartum period. However, contrary to expectations, Relatedness, but not Dependence, was associated with severity of depression and trait anxiety. Self-Critical Perfectionism was against expectations more strongly related to both severity of depression and anxiety. Results were similar for first-time versus multiparous mothers. Although further research needs to replicate these findings, results of this study suggest that clinicians should pay attention to personality issues in working with pregnant women or young mothers.