Historical Trauma As a Contributor to Postpartum Depression Among American Indian Mothers

Background and Purpose: Theory suggests that historical trauma (HT) plays a unique role in driving postpartum depression (PPD) among American Indian women. To test this theory, we surveyed a sample of new American Indian mothers to determine if indeed there exists a relationship between reports of HT and PPD. Methods: The survey consisted of the Historical Loss Scale and the Post Partum Depression Scale along with basic demographic questions. To evaluate the relationship of HT to PPD, we employed regression analysis to determine if HT accounted for unique variance in PPD “over and above” the covariate controls of mental health status, income, and number of children per mother. The covariates were chosen based on their established relationships with PPD. Results: The results of the analysis indicated that HT accounted for statistically significant variance in PPD “over and above” the covariates (f² = .09). Greater endorsements of HT were associated with greater endorsements PPD (β = .25; p = .045). Conclusions and Implications: Such results suggest assessing and treating HT among new American Indian mothers may have value to reducing their incidence PPD.