Abstract

The present study was to investigate the utility of depression model during pregnancy. In order to examine the purpose of this study, a attachment theory of depression was compared with a cognitive-interpersonal theory of depression by using AMOS. The linear mediation model 1 assumed that the unstable attachment style would predict prepartum depression mainly by mediating cognitive variables as well as by mediating interpersonal variables. In contrast the linear mediation model 2 assumed that the negative self and the unstable attachment style independently and the interpersonal variables mediating would predict prepartum depression. Two hundred and thirty-five women(the second trimester in pregnancy) were recruited both through the obstetrics department of a large hospital and private practices. Results of multiple hierarchical regression analysis indicated that 48% of the variance in prepartum depression was accounted by intrapersonal variables(negative self-esteem, attachment style) and interpersonal variables(negative communication, marital dissatisfaction). As a result of the linear mediation model analysis, model 1 fitted better than model 2. In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that the attachment theory explained very well cognitive-interpersonal relationship process of prepartum depression.