Differences in associations between family functioning and anxious and depressive symptoms in Chinese women and their partners in early pregnancy

Abstract

Background Family functioning is associated with anxiety and depression. Perinatal depression and anxiety are common and influence the well-being of women, partners and their offspring. However, little is known about differences in associations between family functioning and mood symptoms in women and their partners in early pregnancy. Aims Investigating differences in associations between family functioning and anxious and depressive symptoms in women and their partners in early pregnancy. Method In total, 171 woman–partner pairs were enrolled. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item scale (GAD-7) and Family Assessment Device (FAD) were performed. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to investigate the associations. Results In pregnant women, all the subscale scores on the FAD were correlated with total scores on the EPDS and GAD-7 (all P < 0.05), whereas only the Roles subscale showed a predicting effect in regression models (P < 0.01). In partners, all the subscale scores on the FAD were related to total scores on the PHQ-9 (all P < 0.05), whereas only the Problem Solving subscale showed a predicting effect (P = 0.029). Conclusions Our findings indicate that family functioning in the domain of roles is associated with anxious and depressive symptoms in pregnant women and functioning in the domain of problem solving is associated with depressive symptoms in partners. Clinicians should pay special attention to roles and problem solving when assessing mood symptoms in pregnant women and their partners. This study also provides a basis for family health education in early pregnancy.

How is family health related to health‐related quality of life among middle‐aged and older adults in rural China? A cross‐sectional study

“…Unlike previous studies that found a correlation between family health and anxiety/depression (Dang et al., 2021; Qin et al., 2022). Our results showed that the association was not significant.…”

“…Unlike previous studies that found a correlation between family health and anxiety/depression (Dang et al, 2021;Qin et al, 2022).…”

Characteristics and related factors of family functioning in Chinese families during early pregnancy

“…Besides, family functioning also plays a vital role in the health of family members during pregnancy. On the one hand, impaired family functioning would increase the likelihood of symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant females and their partners during early pregnancy ( Qin et al, 2022 ). On the other hand, maternal exposure to poor family functioning during pregnancy would influence the offspring’s brain development in the hippocampus ( Xerxa et al, 2021 ) and increase their vulnerability to being victimized by peers in the future ( Lereya and Wolke, 2013 ).…”