文摘
| Figures/TablesFigures/Tables | ReferencesReferences
Summary
Ellis¡¯ four basic irrational beliefs (IB) have been linked to the expression of different forms of psychopathology (depression, anxiety, etc.). The perinatal period can be a time for vulnerability for certain forms of psychopathology (e.g., postnatal depression). The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between IB and perinatal psychopathology. A subsample (n = 140) from a longitudinal study (n = 239) exploring perinatal psychopathology completed five questionnaires at 9 months postpartum. These included: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Maternal Attitudes questionnaire (MAQ), and a Rational-Irrational Beliefs Scale (RIBS) developed to measure attitudes about ideal mothering for the use of this study (MRIBs). Results showed reasonable psychometric properties for the RIBS; correlations between the RIBS and the other scales were significant and open to meaningful interpretation. Of note, postnatal depression and severe stress appeared to be related to IB; perceived social support showed meaningful relationships with both IB (inverse correlations) and RB (positive correlations). The results suggest some preliminary evidence for a link between specific maternal cognitions about mothering and the manifestation of perinatal psychopathology. Further research is suggested to better understand this relationship and develop a more specific measure of IB during the perinatal period.
