It Takes a Village: Association of Family Social Engagement With Reduced Postpartum Depression During Psychotherapy

OBJECTIVE: Social disconnection increases risk for and persistence of postpartum depression (PPD). This study examined which social activities reduce PPD during psychotherapy designed to improve social engagement with significant others. METHODS: Women with PPD (N=38) received 9 weeks of Engage & Connect, a behavioral activation psychotherapy that aims to increase social engagement. They completed weekly social activities with friends, their partner, their infant, family, or alone in a social setting. The study examined rates of engagement in each category and tested which social activities predicted PPD reduction. RESULTS: =36.83, df=4, p<0.001, N=30); however, only engagement with family predicted PPD reduction during psychotherapy (F=5.81, df=1 and 265, p=0.02, N=30). CONCLUSIONS: Women were most likely to choose social activities with friends. Engagement with family was the most beneficial for reducing PPD. These results can be used to inform future clinical recommendations.