Depression, Social Networks, and Social Support During the Perinatal and Postpartum Period Among Military-Affiliated Women
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Date
2021-11-17
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Abstract
The purpose of this dissertation was to provide a foundation for future research aimed at understanding associations between social network analysis measures and perinatal depression symptoms among military spouses. This work summarizes how social network analysis measures have been associated with depression in adults (systematic literature review), what is known regarding perinatal depression in the military-affiliated population (scoping literature review), and provides a description of women’s experience of the perinatal period and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic (phenomenological qualitative study).
There is a gap in the literature regarding how structural, compositional, and functional SNA characteristics associate with depressive symptoms among adults. However, it does appear that having similar others and various types of social support consistently associates with decreased symptomology. Future studies examining SNA properties and associations with depression in adults should adequately describe the population of interest and statistical analysis methodology. More specific information on which qualities of homophily relate to decreased depression will be helpful to design treatment interventions.
I found 10 articles that warranted inclusion in the scoping review addressing perinatal depression among military-affiliated women—there is a scarcity of research being conducted in this field. Major findings include a lack of information from analytical and qualitative study designs. Documenting conflicts of interest and study limitations such as the self-report nature of PND screening tools, were not adequately addressed in the included studies. Future studies should define periods of separation to accurately reflect the influence of deployments and temporary duties as well as aim to capture risk and protective factors for military spouses versus active-duty military women.
Lastly, I carried out a phenomenological qualitative study to better understand women’s perinatal and social support experiences during the pandemic. My findings indicate that women experienced a wide range of emotions, changes to their perinatal care and social support, other factors that compounded being pregnant or having a baby during a pandemic, and a dissatisfaction with postpartum care. Implications for more effective communication and information on how to receive support during a period of isolation are warranted among this population.
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perinatal, military women