[Real self and ideal self of pregnant and postpartum women with symptoms of perinatal depression].

AIMS: To assess real self and ideal self in pregnant and postpartum women with symptoms of perinatal depression in the area of psychological needs and topical scales.

METHODS

The study involved 239 pregnant women whose gestational age ranged between 32 and 40 weeks, and 105 postpartum women (2 to 5 days after childbirth). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale questionnaire was used as a screening test for antenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms. Personality profiles were assessed using the Adjective Check List test.

RESULTS

Pregnant and postpartum women with symptoms of perinatal depression varied in their self-assessment of a number of their real psychological needs, while they presented similar scores with respect to their ideal (expected) self. The differences between pregnant and postpartum women correspond to changes in roles and activities related to pregnancy and the postpartum period; women presenting more passive attitudes in pregnancy become more active in the postpartum period. Apositive change in the real self-image related to motherhood in the postpartum period occurs despite depressive disorders.

CONCLUSION

Numerous significant differences between the ideal and real self in both pregnant and postpartum women with perinatal depressive symptoms demonstrate their lack of self-acceptance, which requires individualised psychological intervention.