Investigating the Role of Intimate Partner Violence in Prenatal Depression within a Dyadic Framework

Authors

Gabriela R. Perez, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Rebecca L. Brock, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

Spring 5-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Perez, G.R., & Brock, R.L. (2018). Investigating the role of intimate partner violence in prenatal depression within a dyadic framework. University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 2018.

Comments

Copyright Gabriela R. Perez 2018

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in the form of physical and psychological aggression is prevalent in many relationships. The purpose of the present study was to examine the consequences of physical and psychological victimization and perpetration on both maternal and paternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy within a dyadic framework. Psychological aggression, physical aggression, and depressive symptoms were measured during pregnancy using reports from both partners. Results demonstrate the deleterious consequences of both physical and psychological victimization on maternal depression, and suggest that prenatal paternal depression is more largely influenced by aggression enacted toward mothers (perpetration) than victimization. These results have implications for couples interventions, especially those targeting the transition into parenthood, and research aimed at investigating the consequences of IPV within a dyadic framework.