Latent Profiles of Traumatic Psychological Responses and Their Association With Postpartum Depression Among High-Risk Pregnant Women: A Latent Profile Analysis

AI Summary

Three distinct latent profiles identified: High Growth (34%), Traumatic Distressed (27.2%), and Moderate Combined (38.8%).
Traumatic Distressed profile showed greatest risk for postpartum depression, influenced by residence, education, family income, coping strategies, and higher pregnancy stress.
High Growth profile associated with favourable outcomes, supporting tailored interventions addressing psychosocial and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

West J Nurs Res. 2026 Aug 3:1939459261467543. doi: 10.1177/01939459261467543. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High-risk pregnancy often triggers diverse traumatic-related psychological responses, which can affect postpartum depression outcomes. Identifying these response patterns is key to developing targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to classify traumatic psychological response profiles in high-risk pregnant women and examine their associations with postpartum depression.

METHODS: We recruited 518 high-risk pregnant women from obstetric departments. Participants completed the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian Version during the third trimester, along with assessments of demographic characteristics, coping strategies, and pregnancy stress. Postpartum depression was assessed at 6 to 8 weeks postpartum using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Latent profile analysis was employed to identify profiles.

RESULTS: Three latent profiles were identified: High Growth (34.0%), Traumatic Distressed (27.2%), and Moderate Combined (38.8%). Residence, education level, family income, coping strategies, and higher pregnancy stress are influencing factors in the Traumatic Distressed profile. Postpartum depression differed significantly across profiles (F = 62.97, P < .001).

CONCLUSION: Distinct traumatic response profiles exist among high-risk pregnant women, with the Traumatic Distressed profile showing the greatest risk for postpartum depression. Conversely, High Growth was linked to favorable outcomes. Tailored interventions addressing psycho-social and socioeconomic vulnerabilities are warranted.

PMID:42544511 | DOI:10.1177/01939459261467543

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