Perinatal self-report of thoughts of self-harm, depressive symptoms, and personality traits: Prospective study of Japanese community women

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify women with thoughts of self-harm preceded by suicidal ideation, during the perinatal period, on cluster analysis and to clarify their psychological correlates. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted using the data from a longitudinal study involving 18 obstetric clinics between 2011 and 2012 in Kumamoto Prefecture (Japan). Self-administered questionnaires including demographic data, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Temperament and Character Inventory, and the Postnatal Bonding Questionnaire were distributed during the third trimester of pregnancy (wave 1), at 5 days (wave 2), and 1 month postpartum (wave 3). Results: On cluster analysis using the data of participants who answered all observational points, the participants were divided into two groups: cluster 1, normal (n = 201); and cluster 2, thoughts of self-harm (n = 42). Low self-directedness, low cooperativeness, higher anxiety, depression, and lack of affection and anger and rejection towards the baby were associated with cluster 2. Conclusions: The finding that low self-directedness and low cooperativeness were related to the cluster 2 group suggests that immature personality traits may work as a predisposing factor mediating between anxiety, depression and thoughts of self-harm.