The interplay of prenatal stress and prenatal depression in Chinese couples: based on the actor-partner interdependence model.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Pregnant women exhibit heightened stress susceptibility and elevated depression risk during gestation, factors associated with adverse outcomes including postpartum depression. Current research predominantly examines maternal experiences while neglecting spousal influences.

Methods

The study surveyed 282 Chinese married couples using validated scales to assess prenatal stress and depression. And analysed dyadic data from expectant parents using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) to determine the pattern of action of prenatal stress on prenatal depression between couples by calculating the magnitude of the ratio k between the partner effect and the actor effect.

Results

The analysis revealed k₁ = 0.064, 95% CI: (-0.

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12352324 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature