Understanding Postpartum Depression through Learned Helplessness Theory

Abstract

Purpose To empower mothers and raise public knowledge of postpartum depression, this study aimed to examine PDD from the viewpoint of the learned helplessness theory to reveal its causes, risk factors, and available treatments. This study elucidates the elements of postpartum depression and finds strong links to mood disorders, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Methodology The sample data comprised 542 mothers who gave birth recently and was analyzed on PLS-SEM 4.0 software. Results It was found that anxiety and emotional exhaustion significantly and positively affected postpartum depression. Mood disorders, being the mediating variable, significantly affect PPD in the target sample of women after their deliveries. Conclusion To improve maternal mental health and to influence future clinical and research techniques for treating postpartum depression, it is essential to empower new mothers and raise the general population's consciousness. Both of these elements work together to improve maternal mental health.