A longitudinal perspective on gender norms and perinatal depression in Spanish women

Abstract

Background: Perinatal depression represents a significant public health concern with implications for both pregnant individuals and their newborns. Gender roles are particularly intensified in the perinatal period enhancing the risk of depression. This research seeks to examine the cross-sectional association between adherence to traditional gender norms, both masculine and feminine—and perinatal depression, and to assess the potential predictive effect of gender norms on perinatal depression after a follow-up of the pregnancy period. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 211 pregnant women recruited between weeks 8 and 16 of gestation, with 77 completing follow-up between weeks 26 and 39. Depression was assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and gender role conformity using the Conformity to Masculine/Feminine Norms Inventory (CMNI/CFNI). Descriptive analyses and multilevel mixed-effects linear regression models were performed to examine cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between gender norm adherence and depression. Results: At baseline, a one unit increase in modesty was associated with greater depression scores (β=0.44, 0.16 (SE), p = 0.008), while a one unit increase in domestic (CFNI) was associated with decreased depression scores (β=-0.36, 0.16 (SE), p = 0.029). Also, a one unit increase in self-reliance was associated with greater depression scores (β=0.38, 0.12 (SE), p = 0.002). At follow-up, a one unit increase in thinness was linked to higher depression scores (β=0.22, 0.13 (SE), p = 0.040). Conclusions: Women who find it harder to depend on help from others may be more vulnerable to perinatal depression at the beginning of their pregnancy period. However, displaying domestic attitudes at that time may be beneficial. In later stages of pregnancy, these factors become less significant, giving way to a greater concern for body image.