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Intimacy, Libido, Depressive Symptoms and Marital Satisfaction in Postpartum Couples
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3090
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| Title: | Intimacy, Libido, Depressive Symptoms and Marital Satisfaction in Postpartum Couples |
| Authors: | Kunaszuk, Rose Marie Eckert |
| Keywords: | Intimacy
Depression
Marriage
Postpartum Period
Nursing Practice
Sexual Relationship |
| Issue Date: | 21-Aug-2009 |
| Abstract: | Objective: This study was designed to explore issues surrounding the intimate and
sexual relationship of postpartum couples and the impact of those relationships on
marital satisfaction.
Methods: A non-experimental, cross-sectional survey design was used. A convenience
sample of recent postpartum couples, having given birth to their second or third child
and being between six and 24 weeks postpartum, were recruited into the study. The
variables examined in this analysis were libido level, intimacy level, depressive
symptoms, demographic variables, and as the outcome, marital satisfaction. Univariate
and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess relationships.
Results: Twenty seven postpartum couples participated in this study. Males reported
higher levels of libido than females. While libido level was positively associated with
marital satisfaction, for both genders, high emotional intimacy buffered the negative
effects of low libido on marital satisfaction.
Conclusions: Health care providers can provide support to the postpartum family with
knowledge gained from this study. It is important to assess both mothers and fathers of
child-bearing families for issues related to intimacy. Fathers should be encouraged to
participate in the prenatal and postnatal care of their wives so that health care providers
can develop a sense of the family dynamics and be ready to provide support for the new
family as needed. |
| URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3090 |
| Appears in Collections: | Health Sciences Theses and Dissertations
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