The mediating effects of convergence of femininity-maternity and marital intimacy in the relationship between postpartum depression and quality of life in postpartum mothers: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: This study explored the mediating effect of convergence of maternity-femininity and marital intimacy in the relationship between postpartum depression (PPD) and quality of life (QoL) in postpartum mothers.

Methods: Women between 2-6 weeks after childbirth were recruited from three general hospitals in Changwon, Korea, and an online community in March 2023. Descriptive statistics, the t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients were computed. The mediating effects of convergence of maternity-femininity and marital intimacy in the relationship between PPD and QoL were assessed using Hayes' PROCESS Macro Model 4.

Results: The mean QoL score was relatively low (17.77±3.83), while the mean PPD score was 12.06±6.79; 64.5% of participants scored ≥10, indicating PPD. The mean score for convergence of maternity-femininity was 118.84±19.85. Marital intimacy was mid-point (55.95±10.40). Convergence of maternity-femininity exhibited a partial mediating effect on the relationship between PPD and QoL, with 56.0% of the overall effect of PPD on QoL being indirect via this mediator.

Conclusion: PPD may affect QoL both directly and indirectly through its impact on convergence of maternity-femininity. Therefore, interventions should not only address PPD but also promote convergence of maternity-femininity to enhance the QoL of postpartum mothers. For example, psychological counseling to support emotional stability, educational programs to integrate femininity and maternity, partner involvement workshops to encourage spousal support, linkage to community resources, and exercise and wellness programs to foster a positive body image may all be beneficial.