Dyadic coping affect mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptoms during pregnancy

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore whether dyadic coping strategies are associated with both women's and men's depressive symptoms during pregnancy. BACKGROUND: Very few studies have investigated the association between dyadic coping and depressive symptoms in couples during the transition to parenthood. METHODS: A sample of 192 couples completed the Dyadic Coping Inventory and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale. The data were analysed using regression and the actor-partner interdependence model. RESULTS: Three actor effects and two partner effects were found for depressive symptoms in women, and five actor effects and five partner effects were found for depressive symptoms in men. Men's depressive symptoms were associated with less supportive dyadic coping in men, less delegated dyadic coping in men, as reported by both partners, less common dyadic coping, as reported by men, and lower evaluation of dyadic coping (EDC), as reported by both partners. Men's depressive symptoms were also linked to more negative dyadic coping (NDC) in women, as reported by both partners. Women's depressive symptoms were associated with lower stress communication in men, as reported by both partners, less delegated dyadic coping in men, as reported by men, and lower EDC and higher NDC in men, as reported by women. CONCLUSION: Women's and men's dyadic coping affect their own and their partner's depressive symptoms, which highlights the necessity of early screening for both partners. Early detection would enable the implementation of targeted interventions to support dyadic coping.