The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding self-efficacy

Akdag Topal C., MERT KARADAŞ M., Karakurt I., Boztepe H.

Journal of Health Psychology, vol.31, no.4, pp.1710-1722, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/13591053251401689
  • Journal Name: Journal of Health Psychology
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Page Numbers: pp.1710-1722
  • Keywords: breastfeeding self-efficacy, nursing care, postpartum depression, postpartum period, self-compassion
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) may adversely affect breastfeeding self-efficacy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study explored whether self-compassion mediates the relationship between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy among Turkish women. An expert model was developed based on validated scales: the Self-Compassion Scale, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and the Postnatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. In this cross-sectional study, 236 women (mean age: 28.71, SD = 6.16) were surveyed. Results showed that depression was negatively associated with self-compassion (β = −0.474, p < 0.001), and self-compassion was positively associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = 0.785, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis indicated that self-compassion partially mediated the link between PPD and breastfeeding self-efficacy, with a significant indirect effect (−0.586, −0.209). Depression also had a direct negative effect on breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = −0.484, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that fostering self-compassion may enhance maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes.