A Self-Determination Theory Perspective on Postpartum Depressive Symptoms and Early Parenting Behaviors.

Objective: On the basis of self-determination theory, this study investigates longitudinal associations between satisfaction and frustration mothers' basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, relatedness, competence) and mothers' postnatal depressive symptoms and early parenting behaviors.

Methods: Participants were 214 women assessed during their pregnancy (Time 1), 4 months after delivery (Time 2), and when the child was 2 years old (Time 3).

Results: Results demonstrate effects of prenatal basic psychological needs (needs frustration more specifically) on postnatal depressive symptoms. In addition, general prenatal needs satisfaction and frustration predicted more relationship-specific needs satisfaction and frustration, respectively (in the mother-child relationship). In turn, postnatal relationship-specific needs satisfaction predicted more high-quality parenting when the child is 2 years old. More specifically, needs satisfaction was related to more maternal responsiveness and autonomy support.

Conclusions: Overall, these findings underscore the importance of psychological needs experiences for both mothers' personal adjustment after birth and for the early mother-child relationship.