The Structure of Thriving/Distress Among Low-Income Women at 3 Months After Giving Birth

Abstract

This article explores the dimensionality of thriving among low-income Anglo, African American, and Hispanic women using factor analysis of psychosocial, behavioral, and weight measures at 3 months postpartum. Three factors were extracted for each ethnic group. The first and most robust factor was psychosocial distress, which encompassed stress, depressive symptoms, (low) social support, (unhealthy) lifestyle, and (less favorable) body image. For Anglo and Hispanic women, self-regulation also loaded on the distress factor. The findings suggest that interventions to ameliorate psychosocial distress among low-income women, regardless of ethnicity, may need to consider a comprehensive range of intervention content.