The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between postpartum depression and breastfeeding self-efficacy
Journal of Health Psychology, cilt.31, sa.4, ss.1710-1722, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 31 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/13591053251401689
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Health Psychology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.1710-1722
- Anahtar Kelimeler: breastfeeding self-efficacy, nursing care, postpartum depression, postpartum period, self-compassion
- Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
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.