The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of cognitive vulnerability in the development of postpartum depression and its relation to postpartum mood in general. Pregnant women were recruited antenatally (Time 1), and followed postpartum (Time 2). By online assessment, 133 women provided records at both times. Self-report instruments were used to assess dysfunctional attitudes and depressive symptomatology antenatally. Additional questionnaires for automatic thoughts and emotional distress were completed postpartum. Data analysis showed there were significant differences in depressive symptomatology over time, t(132)=8.28, p<0.05, with higher depressive symptomatology levels at Time 2. As expected, no significant differences were found in dysfunctional attitudes, t(132)=0.53, p>0.05. Dysfunctional attitudes were related not only to postpartum depressive symptomatology (r=0.42, p<0.01), but also to functional negative emotions (r=0.30, p<0.01) and to positive emotions (r=0.33, p<0.01). Overall, postpartum dysfunctional attitudes and automatic thoughts explained 47% of postpartum depressive symptomatology, F(2,132)=58.78, p<.001. Antenatal depressive symptomatology alone predicted 58% of postpartum depressive symptomatology, F(1,132)=180.51, p<.001. There appears to be a continuum of depressive symptomatology through the perinatal period, with higher postpartum rates. There is evidence for an underlying, cognitive vulnerability for postpartum depression, stable over the peripartum. This cognitive factors have an influence on the global postpartum mood.
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