Aggravation of baby blues symptoms and attachment style in marriage

Purpose: The aim of the article is to present one of the most common disorders of the postpartum period, which is baby blues, and the quality of relationships in a marital relationship as a predictor of the severity of the symptoms of this disorder. Design/methodology/approach: The study presents the results of research based on the analysis of dependencies between the aggravation of baby blues symptoms and attachment style in marriage. A group of 75 women who had given birth within less than six months took part in the study, which utilised Plopa’s Questionnaire of Attachment Styles (KSP) and a Questionnaire on the Aggravation of Baby Blues Symptoms (KNOBB). Findings: The study confirmed a negative relation between a secure attachment style and the intensification of maternal blues symptoms, and a positive relation where the anxious- ambivalent style is considered. The highest degree of correlation between attachment styles and postpartum blues symptoms was observed with respect to the social sphere and, further, to the emotional sphere and maternal role competence. Practical implications: The results presented point to the significance of the relationship with the life partner (father of the child) as an adjustment resource. The knowledge gained may serve for practitioners who develop informational, preventive and intervention programs for women who experience difficulties in adjusting to parenthood. Originality/value: The problem of postpartum disorders fits into the general category of mental health. Dealing with it is important from the standpoint of proper diagnosis and treatment. The presented content is intended to raise the level of social awareness and inspire to search for other factors important from the point of view of the process of adapting to the maternal role.