The experience of maternal perinatal depression and the influence on child developmental outcome: Maternal perspectives

Abstract

The study aims at understanding the experience of maternal perinatal depression and the influence on motherhood attainment, maternal/child attachment, and child developmental outcome with the purpose of understanding the importance and need for maternal/child support system to alleviate adverse complication of the problem. The research questions are exact reflection of the research aim. The author used Mercer’s theory of becoming a mother as the basis of established theoretical framework for the study. The study was conducted using qualitative research methodology. Data collection was done by interviewing four mothers who suffered depression at the perinatal period of their adolescent/adult children. Qualitative content analysis was used as analysis method.

The result indicates the importance of good maternal perinatal mental health cannot be overemphasized for the wellbeing and safety of both mother and child. The association of maternal perinatal depression to child developmental outcome was small in magnitude. Results also identify the role of support systems including nursing role as part of the support system. Nurses must act as continuous checkers and health promoters. The combination of this can lead to mental health intervention and empowerment for both mother and child whether it influences the child developmental outcome or not, thereby promoting a healthy society.