Influence of maternal depression and sucidal thoughts: role of spousal support during pregnancy

• Main Authors: Marappan, Deviga, Khan, Aqeel, Abdul Latif, Adibah, Yusoff, Ahmad Mustaqim
• Format: Article
• Published: Serials Publications 2016
• Subjects: LB Theory and practice of education
• Online Access: http://eprints.utm.my/id/eprint/71284/; https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84958953608&partnerID=40&md5=fe07e2cd7a5f21a3f47afbca0f428426
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia

Aims of this study is to examine the presence of spousal support during pregnancy and its influence on maternal depression and suicidal thought among women. Survey method with random sampling employed on pregnant women (N=50) from Health Clinic of Malaysia in Johor, Malaysia. Results indicated significant negative correlation between the spousal support and maternal depression and a significant positive correlation between maternal depression and suicidal thoughts. Findings revealed maternal depression indirectly develops self-harming behaviours or suicidal thoughts during pregnancy and spousal support act as a coping in reducing maternal depression and suicidal thoughts. Moreover, current research may benefit to the society in recognising women's actual conditions during pregnancy.