Mental health in mothers at 1-2 months postpartum

—The relationship between development of a caregiving system, and anxiety and a depressive state—

Abstract

【Aim】This study focused on contents in mental health in mothers with the aim of clarifying how anxiety and a depressive state are related to the development of the mother’s caregiving system. 【Method】An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was given to 200 mothers at 1-2 months postpartum. The questionnaire covered attributes, the abbreviated version of the Attachment-Caregiving Balance Scale (6 factors) to assess mental health, state anxiety, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Covariance structure analysis was then carried out. 【Results】Analysis was conducted on 120 respondents.“Sensitivity-caregiving (concern and understanding toward child) ”in the Attachment-Caregiving Balance Scale was significantly higher for multiparas, but there was no significant difference between primiparas and multiparas in other factors, state anxiety, or EPDS scores. Covariance structure analysis did not show a significant path to attachment-caregiving from state anxiety. No significant path was shown to either attachment or caregiving from the EPDS, but there was a significant path to EPDS from attachment. 【Conclusion】The state anxiety of mothers at 1-2 months postpartum significantly heightened attachment and lowered caregiving. No direct relationship to attachment-caregiving from the EPDS existed, suggesting that addressing maternal attachment is useful in preventing postpartum depression.