Examining the Role of Type D Personality Traits in Predicting Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Women in the Postpartum Period

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the role of type D personality traits in predicting depression and anxiety symptoms in women in the postpartum period. Method: The study is correlational and case-controlled. The sample consisted of 319 women in the postpartum period living in a province in western Turkiye. Type D Personality Scale (DS14), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were administered. Data were collected via Google Forms between January and February 2022. Results: 62.4% of women in the postpartum period had type D personality characteristics. Postpartum depression and state-trait anxiety levels of women with type D personality were significantly higher (p<0.05). Additionally, the negative affect subscale of the Type D Personality Scale was the most significantly associated variable with postpartum depression (beta =0.548, p<0.05) and state-trait anxiety (beta =0.709, p<0.05). Conclusion: Personality traits can play an important role in the emergence of depression, anxiety and stress. Improving the coping and interpersonal skills of women with type D personality traits can help them to manage pregnancy, birth and motherhood related mental problems.