Date
4-29-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Jeffrey McCarthy
Keywords
postpartum depression, women, age, postsecondary education, circumplex model
Disciplines
Counseling | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Recommended Citation
Messick, Carrie B., "Postpartum Depression: The Role of Education, Age, and Family Social Support" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8292.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8292
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the moderating effect of age and family social support on postsecondary education in women experiencing postpartum depression. Postpartum depression develops within 4–6 weeks following birth and can last up to 2 years. Current estimates indicate that postpartum depression affects approximately 8% to 20% of women. Multiple factors influence the development of postpartum depression, including physiological factors, cultural and social influences, psychosocial characteristics, and genetics. The literature has explored multiple risk and protective factors, such as education, age of the mother, and social support, which are protective factors for postpartum depression. The literature has also shown that postpartum depression can impact mothers, children, and the overall functioning of the family system. However, there is limited research on the experiences of women with postsecondary education and postpartum depression. This study explored the experiences of postsecondary education in women with postpartum depression, focusing on the moderators of age and family social support. The study obtained a convenience sample from online and residential universities in the United States, postnatal resource centers and support groups, and social media. Participants completed a demographic survey, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17), and the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3). The theoretical foundation for this study was the circumplex model developed by David Olson. The study showed no statistically significant relationship between education and FSS. Analyses indicated that age moderated the relationship when tested with FSS, whereas FSS did not exhibit a moderating effect.
