有關產後憂鬱的病因廣美國學界所探討。本文將這些病因假說歸類為人口學因素、婦產科史因素、生物因素、精神病理因素、社會文化因素以及社會心理因素。綜觀文獻,發現上述因素都和產後憂鬱有關,多因素學說蔚然形成。但所有病因都在假說階段,均未獲得臨床證據強有力的支持。最近有關產後憂鬱的研究趨勢大部分主張社會心理因素的重要性。社會心理觀的基本假說是產後憂鬱源自產期壓力和育嬰責任的適應。在台灣,陳氏(民83)基於社會心理觀發展了產後憂鬱理論模式,其研究支持自尊、知覺壓力及社會支持與產後六週婦女憂鬱症狀之關係模式。此產後憂鬱理論模式可以併入護理的知識範疇,有助於產後憂鬱高危險群的監測和發展有效的護理措施。
The literature on the etiology of postpartum depression was explored, including demographic, gynecologic-obstertic, biological, psychopathological, cognitive-behavioral, sociocultural and psychosocial factors. Prevailing views about the causation of postpartum depression reflect a multifactorial theory in which all of the selected factors contribute. Empirically derived evidence in support of such a theory is , not yet yeadily available. The emphasis in investigative work regarding the etiology of postpartum depression now appears to be in the psychosocial areas. The underlying assumption from a psychosocial perspective is that postpartum depression results from the stress of the peripartum period and to child-care responsibilities. In Taiwan, Chen (1994) confirmed the basic Postpartum Depression Model, supporting the predicted relationships between perceived stress, social support, self-esteem and postpartum depression. This model can be incorporated into the nursing body of knowledge. Based on this predictive theory, scientifically valid nursing interventions can be developed and tested.