Postpartum Depression in the United States and Japan

Abstract

Nonpsychotic postpartum depression is common in Western culture, but is not widely recognized in Japan. This study investigated the extent of milder postpartum depression in the United States and Japan, and the factors contributing to milder postpartum depression. A total of 21 American and 29 Japanese mothers of newborns filled out the Pitt (1968) Depression Scale and a questionnaire on their backgrounds, feeding style, nighttime sleep loss, contact with adults, life events, social support, women's role concepts, and orientation to work. There were no cross-cultural differences in their depression scores. However, regression equations showed significant differences in the factors contributing to depression. The results are discussed in terms of the cultural differences contributing to depression.