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Normalizing Postpartum Depressive Symptoms With Social Support

University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing, Department of Family and Community Healthdscra001{at}son.umaryland.edu

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression can be a significant disability for women if left untreated. The context of seeking social support for this population has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to generate a theory of how women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms mobilize social supports. STUDY DESIGN: Strauss and Corbin’s grounded theory methodology was used to discover the context and process of seeking social support of women with postpartum depression. RESULTS: Postpartum women with depressive symptoms have a natural desire to connect with others for symptom normalization. These connections occurred with other women, groups, or health care providers. The process of normalizing through connection included four components: initiating socialization, staying with, drifting away, and incorporating self into new role. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses can assist postpartum women in developing positive connections with other individuals or groups in their lives. Psychoeducation about postpartum depression may empower women to seek assistance for their depression.

Key Words: postpartum depressive symptoms • social support • grounded theory • postpartum women

Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, Vol. 11, No. 4, 223-230 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/1078390305280940


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