Temperament, Character, and Depressive Symptoms during Pregnancy : A Study of a Japanese Population

Abstract EN

Background.

To examine the effects of temperament and character domains on depression during pregnancy.

Methods.

We examined 601 pregnant women using a questionnaire that included the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and demographic variables.

Results.

In a hierarchical regression analysis, severity of depression during pregnancy was predicted by the women’s negative response towards the current pregnancy, low self-directedness, and high harm avoidance, persistence, and self-transcendence.

Conclusion.

Depression during pregnancy is predicted by personality traits as well as women’s negative attitudes towards the current pregnancy.