Interactive Relations Among Maternal Depressive Symptomatology, Nutrition, and Parenting

Abstract

Theoretical models linking maternal nutrition, depressive symptomatology, and parenting are underdeveloped. However, existing literature suggests that iron status and depressive symptomatology interact in relation to problematic parenting styles (authoritarian, permissive). Therefore, in the current study the authors investigate these interactive relations in a sample of breastfeeding mothers (n = 105) interviewed at three months postpartum. Participants completed questionnaires (from December 2008 to January 2011) regarding their depressive symptomatology and parenting styles. Iron status (i.e., hemoglobin, soluble transferrin receptors, and serum ferritin concentrations) was assessed from blood samples. Significant interactions were found between iron status and depressive symptomatology in relation to authoritarian parenting style (low warmth, high punishment and directiveness). For those women with hemoglobin below 14.00 g/dL, depressive symptomatology was positively related to authoritarian parenting style (p < 0.001). Thus, screening for poor iron status and depressive sympatomology in postpartum women may help to identify those at risk for problematic parenting. Dietary interventions may help to eliminate relations between depressive symptoms and problematic parenting.

KEYWORDS:

• postpartum
• nutrition
• depressive symptomology
• parenting

Notes

The authors would like to thank the families who participated in this study, the research assistants at Oklahoma State University, as well as Drs. Laura Hubbs–Tait, Larry Mullins, Barbara Stoecker, and James Grice.

Notes. *p < .05

**p < .01

***p < .001.