Postpartum Depressive Symptoms through a Self-Determination Theory Perspective: Basic Needs, Maladaptive Perfectionism and Partners’ Interpersonal Style

Abstract

Using a Self-Determination Theory perspective, this study examined the role of maladaptive perfectionism and partners’ interpersonal style (i.e., partners’ autonomy support and psychological control) in both paternal and maternal postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). Also, the mediating effect of need frustration on the relation between maladaptive perfectionism and PDS was investigated. Five self-report questionnaires were completed by a total of 251 Dutch parents (fathers 37.5%, mothers 62.5%) of 1- to 8-months old children. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed maladaptive perfectionism and need frustration to be independent positive predictors of PDS. Additionally, mediation analyses showed need frustration to mediate the relation between maladaptive perfectionism and PDS, with full mediation in fathers and partial mediation in mothers. Possible explanations and conclusions based on our findings are discussed, underscoring the need to include fathers in research into PDS.