Theoretical framework for interpersonal psychotherapy in the prevention of postpartum depression: A commentary

Postpartum depression occurs in around 10 % of women in several countries. Among preventive interventions during pregnancy, interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is identified to be effective. However, little theoretical explanations for this effect have been proposed. Since the perinatal period is a time that interpersonal conflicts are more likely to occur in a woman’s life, IPT may be effective to help women and their significant others achieve a new role and adapt to role conflict. The present commentary discusses the issue from the self-efficacy theory.