PARTNER SUPPORT, SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING, AND POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION AMONG PAKISTANI MOTHERS: A COMPARISON ACROSS JOINT AND NUCLEAR FAMILY SYSTEMS

Abstract

The postpartum period is expected to be a vulnerable phase characterized by emotional, psychological, and physiological changes that may increase the risk of developing depressive symptoms. The study was aimed to assess the levels of perceived partner support and spiritual well-being and determine their association with postpartum depression in different family systems. A purposive sampling technique was used in this study to collect data from those mothers who were reported with postpartum depression. The sample size of 100 mothers from which 50 were from nuclear family system and 50 among them were from joint family system in southern Punjab. Correlational approach was adopted and data was collected from postpartum depression mothers using standardized instruments, including a partner support scale, a spiritual well-being scale, and a postpartum depression assessment tool. The collected data was analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to determine the difference of demographic among the variables. It was anticipated that postpartum depressive have no significant difference at different family system levels but partner support and spiritual wellbeing have significant difference within different family systems whereas p< .01. The study was expected to highlight the protective role of supportive relationships and spiritual resources in improving maternal mental health. Findings provides evidence that helps healthcare providers in developing interventions that strengthen partner involvement and promote spiritual well-being in different family systems, ultimately aiming to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and enhance overall maternal well-being.