Medical Hypotheses
Volume 54, Issue 1 , Pages 7-17, January 2000

Transactional conflict between psychobiology and culture in the etiology of postpartum depression

Psychology Department, University of Maine, Orono, ME, U.S.A.

Received 5 May 1998; accepted 25 August 1998.

Revised

Abstract 

In vulnerable individuals, postpartum depression may be triggered by the disruption of neuropsychological processes during pregnancy and parturition. It is proposed that in Western societies pre- and postnatal psychological and instrumental needs are poorly met and this crisis may interact with neurophysiological factors in compromising maternal psychological functioning. The influence of developmental factors and psychological and physical stressors are discussed in relation to women's neuropsychological health during the peripartal transition. It is hypothesized that the environmental milieu may support, neglect or derail the mother's psychobiological transition from pregnancy to effective postnatal parenting and resumption of family and work roles.

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PII: S0306-9877(98)90809-X

doi:10.1054/mehy.1998.0809

Medical Hypotheses
Volume 54, Issue 1 , Pages 7-17, January 2000

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