The role of Dependency and Self-Criticism in the relationship between postpartum depression and anger

Abstract

This study explored the role of the personality dimensions of Dependency and Self-Criticism in the relationship between postpartum depression and anger. Self-reported state and trait anger, anger directed towards the self and others, and the control of anger were compared between inpatient postpartum depressed mothers ( n = 55) and non-depressed mothers in the postpartum period ( n = 244), and associations between Dependency and Self-Criticism, anger, and anger regulation were investigated. Postpartum depression was associated with elevated levels of state and trait anger and anger directed towards the self. However, the relationship between depression and anger was influenced by Dependency and Self-Criticism. Dependency was associated with state anger in non-depressed mothers; and highly dependent mothers directed their anger significantly more towards the self and less towards others. Self-Criticism was associated with high levels of trait anger, low control of anger, and high levels of anger towards the self and others. Hence, these personality factors should be taken into account in both research and treatment of anger in depression.