Intimate Partner Violence and Maternal Depression During the Perinatal Period: A Longitudinal Investigation of Latinas

• NCJ Number: 230501
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 16 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 543-559
• Author(s): Michael A. Rodriguez; Jeanette Valentine; Sawssan R. Ahmed; David P. Eisenman; Lekeisha A. Sumner; MarySue V. Heilemann; Honghu Liu
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 17 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study assessed the impact of intimate partner violence (IPV) on the course of perinatal depression among a sample of Latinas while controlling for protective and risk factors.

Abstract

This study assessed the course of perinatal depression among 210 Latinas who were and were not affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) and identified associated psychosocial factors. Peak depression prevalence occurred prenatally among 45.7 percent of IPV-exposed and 24.6 percent of non-IPV-exposed Latinas. At each assessment, depression was significantly higher for IPV-exposed compared to non-IPV-exposed mothers. Mastery and social support were associated with lower depression, whereas history of IPV, perceived stress, and avoidant coping behaviors were associated with higher depression. Findings support recommendations for routine depression and IPV screening of Latinas in perinatal clinical settings. Tables, figures, and references (Published Abstract)