Analysis of correlations between personality type and postpartum depression

Abstract

Objective To study the correlation between personality type and postpartum depression so as to provide theoretical support for improving the quality of obstetric care. Methods We used Myers-Briggs Typer Indicator ( MBTI ) -G to test 447 puerpera for their personality type and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) for their postpartum depression. Scores of MBTI-G and EPDS were calculated and their relations were analyzed. Results The incidence of maternity blues ( MB ) was 23.49%, and that of postpartum depression was 12.75%; The dichotomies regarding EI (Extraversion-Introversion) and TF (Thinking-Feeling)( subscales of MBTI-G) had positive relation with scores of EPDS. Conclusions Puerpera with introvert and feeling-dependent personality types are more prone to suffer from postpartum depression, which suggests that in the process of obstetric nursing, appropriate psychological cares should be performed on puerpera with different personalities, special attention shall be paid to puerpera with introvert and feeling-dependent personality types from both medical nursing and family support so as to effectively reduce the occurrence of postpartum depression. Key words: Personality type; Postpartum depression; MBTI; Psychological nursing