College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-04 15:08:27
Major
Nursing
Honors Course
Nursing Research
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2021
Abstract
The increased incidence of postpartum depression has had significant effects on children’s social development. The purpose of this systematic review is to bring attention to the growing problem in such a vulnerable population. In addition, it was designed to shed light on the lack of research in this area of healthcare. The methods used to conduct the study include various peer reviewed, scholarly and evidenced based articles from databases such as Academic Search Complete, PsycNet, and Pubmed. Each article has been critically evaluated based on the following guidelines: a population group of children under the age of four, specifically maternal postpartum depression rather than paternal, and studies focused on childhood social development.
The general consensus of the twenty articles conclude that maternal postpartum depression disrupts the social development of children. Specifically, decreased levels of attachment have been a common trend along with a developmental delay of communication. Based on the evidence collected during the systematic review future evidence-based practice should involve more rigorous screening of the mother child dyad in relation to promotion of mental health. How are children internationally, from birth to four years old, impacted by postpartum depression in relation to social development?
Keywords: postpartum depression, development, social development, cognitive development, pediatrics, mental health, infant
Research Sponsor
Debra Horning MSN, RNC-OB
First Reader
Lisa A. Hart, DNP, RN, CNE
Second Reader
Michele Zelko, DNP, RNC-OB
Honors Faculty Advisor
Christine Heifner Graor, PhD, PMHCNS-BC
Recommended Citation
Besse, Delaney; Williams, Margaret; Spencer, Danielle; and Walters, Brooke, "The Effects of Postpartum Depression on Children's Social Development" (2021). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1252.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1252
Included in
Maternal, Child Health and Neonatal Nursing Commons, Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Commons