Paternal Acceptance, Humor, and Distraction Predict More Postpartum Depression and Anxiety for Mothers and Fathers

This research identified coping styles that predict postpartum depression (PPD) and anxiety. Mothers’ active coping and positive reframing predicted lower PPD and parents’ positive reframing was related to lower maternal anxiety. Conversely, paternal distraction, humor, and acceptance predicted more PPD and anxiety.