Psychosocial risk factors for postnatal distress

The question about the risk factors associated to the development of postnatal distress has not only been addressed from a biological point of view, but from a psychosocial approach as well.
This perspective inquires about the relevance of a number of demographic, obstetric, and psychological factors that may underlie this phenomenon. The extensive discussion offered by current literature about these factors has led to the development of a well validated model that considers the six most significant risk factors for the onset of postnatal distress, namely

- Antenatal depression
- Antenatal anxiety
- Social support (being support from the partner specially significant)
- Negative life events
- Low self-esteem
- Previous history of depression
(Beck, 1996, 2001; O’Hara, 1991; O’Hara & Swain, 1996; Robertson et al, 2004).

Other variables have been suggested as contributing factors, such as an increased level of daily hassles, socioeconomic variables, parity, and psychological aspects (such as specific personality traits). Nevertheless, current research supports the notion that the above listed factors play a major role in the onset and maintenance of postnatal distress.
These findings have been used to design - and promote the use of - procedures to identify women who may be at risk for developing postnatal depression, and who may need special care, assistance, and/or treatment.