Infant temperament and postpartum depression: a review

Abstract

Although limited in number, reported research studies indicate a relationship between maternal perceptions of infant temperament and postpartum depression. Excessive crying in particular and the extent of adaptability and predictability have been implicated as infant behavioral indices. In this article, we present the results of a review of the literature linking early infant temperament to postpartum depression. Measurement issues for both infant temperament and depression are discussed. Recommendations for future research are offered.