Basic Psychological Needs, Depressive Symptoms, and Parental Self-Efficacy: A Two-Wave Study During the Transition to Motherhood

Maternal well-being during pregnancy is associated with postnatal maternal well-being. Understanding the risk and protective factors that could have positive and negative effects around the event of childbirth is of utmost relevance. Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), the present study aimed to investigate the link between (a) prenatal need satisfaction and depression symptoms and (b) postnatal need satisfaction, depression symptoms, and parental self-efficacy in a sample of 94 first-time mothers. Results of the cross-lagged-panel model showed significant paths for the stability of each variable (need satisfaction and depressive symptoms) over time. Additionally, a significant cross-lagged effect was observed (a) from prenatal need satisfaction to postnatal depressive symptoms and (b) on parental self-efficacy. Overall, the results show that in the short-term, the prenatal period may be associated with adjustment to motherhood and the mothering experiences in the postnatal period. SDT-based interventions should be implemented by promoting the fulfillment of basic psychological needs during pregnancy.