Implicit affectivity as the predictor of the relationship between paternal postpartum depression and self-stigma in fathers: A structural equation modeling analysis

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the moderating role of the implicit affect in the relationship between postpartum depression and self-stigma. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, data were collected from 233 fathers using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS), Self-Stigma of Depression Scale (SSDS), and Implicit Positive and Negative Affect Test (IPANAT) between July and August 2021. The structural equation model was used in data analysis. ResultsFathers received the following mean scores from the EPDS, SSDS, Implicit Positive Affect (IPA), and Implicit Negative Affect (INA) tests: 7.36 +/- 5.55; 41.44 +/- 10.04; 1.84 +/- 0.62, and 2.50 +/- 0.83, respectively. From the EPDS, 29.2% of the fathers received 10-30. It was found that postpartum depression negatively affects IPA (ss = -0.248, P < 0.001), whereas it positively affects SSDS (ss = 0.333, P < 0.001) and INA (ss = 0.344, P < 0.001). It was concluded that postpartum depression has a significant effect on the SSDS with the partial moderating role based on the IPA (ss = -0.298, P < 0.001). ConclusionPostpartum depression is an important health problem in fathers. Implicit positive affect partially affects self-stigma in fathers with depressive symptoms. These results will guide the understanding of the stigmatization of fathers who experience depression during the transition to fatherhood.