Psychosocial employment characteristics and postpartum maternal mental health symptoms

Abstract

Introduction

For new mothers returning to work, the role of the workplace psychosocial environment on maternal mental health has not been fully described.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between psychosocial employment characteristics and mothers’ postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms.

Methods

Ninety-seven women answered survey questions regarding employment, job demand, control, and support, and postpartum depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms soon after live birth and 6 months later.

Results

Working and nonworking mothers reported similar mental health symptoms. Psychological characteristics of employment were not associated with increased odds of mental health symptoms. Increased social support provided by coworkers, supervisors, and the organization was associated with reduced odds of anxiety symptoms.

Conclusion

Our findings identified lack of workplace social support as a modifiable risk factor for postpartum anxiety. Future evaluations of workplace social support interventions may be explored to improve postpartum mental health symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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