Association of Spousal Support With Parenting Self-Confidence and Depression in Primipar Mothers

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Parenting; Postpartum Period; Support

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07376369

2025-20/738

Details and patient eligibility

About

The transition to motherhood, particularly for first-time (primiparous) women, is a critical life period requiring substantial psychological and social adjustment. Hormonal changes, increased caregiving responsibilities, sleep disturbances, and potential social isolation during pregnancy and the postpartum period may increase vulnerability to stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health concern that adversely affects maternal well-being, mother-infant interaction, and infant development, with insufficient social support identified as one of its most significant risk factors.

Maternal self-efficacy, defined as a mother's perceived competence in caring for and responding to her infant's needs, is a key indicator of successful adaptation to the parenting role. Evidence suggests that maternal self-efficacy develops primarily within the first months after childbirth and tends to be lower in primiparous women. Low parenting self-efficacy has been associated with increased depressive symptoms, higher parenting stress, impaired mother-infant bonding, and negative developmental outcomes for the infant.

Among social support sources, partner support plays a particularly protective role during the transition to parenthood. Emotional, informational, and practical support provided by the partner has been shown to enhance maternal self-efficacy, reduce psychological distress, improve marital adjustment, and lower the risk of postpartum depression. Conversely, low perceived partner support and relationship difficulties are associated with an increased risk of PPD in primiparous mothers.

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived partner support and postpartum parenting self-efficacy and depressive symptoms in primiparous women. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the explanatory and protective role of partner support on maternal self-efficacy and postpartum depression during the early postpartum period.

Enrollment: 193 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Inclusionsd Criteria:

• Aged 18 years or older
• Primiparous mothers (first childbirth)
• Between 0 and 12 months postpartum
• Living with spouse or partner
• Able to read and write Turkish
• Having access to the internet
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed neurological disorder
• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Visual impairment preventing completion of questionnaires
• Cognitive impairment preventing completion of questionnaires

Trial design

193 participants in 1 patient group

Primipar mothers

Description:

Primipar mothers aged 18 years and older, who are in the postpartum period (0-12 months), living with their spouse/partner, and participating voluntarily in this observational study.