Interactive Relations Among Maternal Depressive Symptomatology,Nutrition, and Parenting |
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| Authors: | Nicki L. Aubuchon–Endsley David G. Thomas Tay S. Kennedy Stephanie L. Grant Tabitha Valtr |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Psychology , Oklahoma State University , Stillwater , Oklahoma , USA;2. Department of Nutritional Sciences , Oklahoma State University , Stillwater , Oklahoma , USA;3. Department of Human Development and Family Sciences , Oklahoma State University , Stillwater , Oklahoma , USA |
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| Abstract: | Theoretical models linking maternal nutrition, depressive symptomatology, and parenting are underdeveloped. However, existing literature suggests that iron status and depressive symptomatology interact in relation to problematic parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive). Therefore, in the current study the authors investigate these interactive relations in a sample of breastfeeding mothers (n = 105) interviewed at three months postpartum. Participants completed questionnaires (from December 2008 to January 2011) regarding their depressive symptomatology and parenting styles. Iron status (i.e., hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptors, and serum ferritin concentrations) was assessed from blood samples. Significant interactions were found between iron status and depressive symptomatology in relation to authoritarian parenting style (low warmth, high punishment and directiveness). For those women with hemoglobin below 14.00 g/dL, depressive symptomatology was positively related to authoritarian parenting style (p < 0.001). Thus, screening for poor iron status and depressive sympatomology in postpartum women may help to identify those at risk for problematic parenting. Dietary interventions may help to eliminate relations between depressive symptoms and problematic parenting. |
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| Keywords: | postpartum nutrition depressive symptomology parenting |
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