The Impact of Parental Role Distributions, Work Participation, and Stress Factors on Family Health-Related Outcomes: Study Protocol of the Prospective Multi-Method Cohort “Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health” (DREAM)

Abstract

The Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health (“ DR esdner Studie zu E lternschaft, A rbeit, und M entaler Gesundheit”, DREAM ) aims to prospectively investigate the relationship between parental work participation, role distribution, stress factors, and their effects on perinatal outcomes and long-term family mental and somatic health in a community sample targeting N = 4,000 individuals, i.e., 2,000 couples, expecting a child and residing in Dresden, Germany (interim sample of N = 1,410 participants, recruitment ongoing). Various questionnaires are completed at four measurement points from pregnancy to 2 years postpartum (prolongation into middle childhood planned). Applying a multi-method approach, long-term endocrinological data (analyses of hair cortisol concentrations and other endogenous hormones, “DREAM HAIR ”) and qualitative interview data (regarding gender role attitudes and distribution of domestic work, child care, and paid employment; “DREAM TALK ”) are obtained. In this study protocol, the theoretical background, methods, and preliminary results considering sociodemographic characteristics during pregnancy and birth-related factors at 8 weeks postpartum are presented. Additionally, there is a focus on our endocrinological sub-study DREAM HAIR . In this sub-study currently comprising N = 152 participants, i.e., 88 families (recruitment ongoing), we want to gain knowledge on the transgenerational processes of stress regulation and psychopathology in the whole family by analyzing hair cortisol concentrations in both parents and children during the course from pregnancy (or after birth regarding children) to at least 2 years postpartum. By comparing data of the community sample to a clinical sample of mothers with postpartum mental disorders, their children, and their partners during the period between admission and discharge from a mother-baby unit and post-treatment (“DREAM MBU ”), the course of mothers' psychopathology, parent-infant interaction, and infant regulation disorders with special regard to long-term endocrine correlates will be examined. With previous studies neglecting the fathers or partners involved, a major advantage of DREAM is the use of a multi-method and multi-level approach by examining the whole family in a longitudinal design. Therefore, the DREAM study will contribute to a better understanding of the role of social, work, and stress factors for mental and somatic health and its long-term endocrine correlates in the natural course of becoming a family.

Precarious working conditions and psychosocial work stress act as a risk factor for symptoms of postpartum depression during maternity leave: results from a longitudinal cohort study

“…This investigation is part of the longitudinal cohort Dresden Study on Parenting, Work, and Mental Health (DREAM; DR esdner Studie zu E lternschaft, A rbeit und M entaler Gesundheit), which prospectively examines the relationship between parental work participation, role distribution, stress factors, and their effects on perinatal outcomes and long-term family mental and somatic health [ 42 ]. Expectant mothers and their partners were recruited during pregnancy predominately at information evenings in hospitals and birth preparation courses in and around Dresden, Germany.…”

“…Participants complete questionnaires covering a comprehensive field of physical and mental health outcomes. The measurement points encompass T1, during pregnancy, and five postpartum assessment waves: T2 at 8 weeks, T3 at 14 months, T4 at 2 years, T5 at 3 years and T6 at 4.5 years after birth, for a detailed description see Kress et al [42]. For the purpose of the present study, data from expectant mothers on working conditions during pregnancy (T1) and PPD symptoms at 8 weeks postpartum (T2) were analyzed.…”

“…Moreover, no studies were found that previously applied the WPC and the EPRES to the peripartum period. The present investigation is part of a large prospective-longitudinal cohort study covering many fields of interest regarding employment, mental health, and associated factors [42]. Therefore, it will be possible to incorporate further theoretical concepts and factors in future analyses.…”

Precarious working conditions and psychosocial work stress act as a risk factor for symptoms of postpartum depression during maternity leave: results from a longitudinal cohort study

“…Moreover, no studies were found that previously applied the WPC and the EPRES to the peripartum period. The present investigation is part of a large prospectivelongitudinal cohort study covering many elds of interest regarding employment, mental health, and associated factors (42). Therefore, it will be possible to incorporate further theoretical concepts and factors in future analyses.…”

Precarious working conditions and psychosocial work stress act as a risk factor for symptoms of postpartum depression during maternity leave: results from a longitudinal cohort study

“…In addition, no studies were found that applied the WPC and the EPRES to the peripartum period. The investigation is part of a large prospective-longitudinal cohort study covering many fields of interest regarding employment, mental health, and associated factors (42). Therefore, it will be possible to incorporate more theoretical concepts and factors in future analyses.…”