Cheryl Postpartum Depression Theory
A Middle Range Theory of
Postpartum Depression:
Analysis and Application by Jennifer R. Marsh, RN BSN
Abstract: This paper examines Cheryl
Tatano Beck’s middle range theory of postpartum depression: Teetering on the
Edge. Concepts and definitions of the theory are outlined, as well as assumptions and propositions. The postpartum depression theory is further examined and evaluated in its relation to the field of nursing, its applicability to practice, and author’s scope of practice.
Keywords: postpartum depression, Beck, pregnancy, Middle Range
Theory
For over 20 years, Cheryl Tatano Beck has focused her research on postpartum mood disorder and anxiety. In 1993,
Beck published her middle range theory on postpartum depression, titled Teetering on the Edge. As Beck completed a literature review on postpartum depression (PPD), she came to realize that there was limited qualitative research available. Beck’s primary goal was to produce a study/research in which humanity (through what one experienced) was represented in its’ relation to PPD.
Components of the Theory
The use of Beck’s theory on PPD is a relevant tool for any provider, whether midwife, childbirth educator, or nurse, to enhance the care provided to pregnant and postpartum clientele. Providers that interact with this particular clientele for a limited time need to be diligent to recognize signs and symptoms of PPD. Not only do providers need to be able to recognize PPD but also adequately educate our clientele regarding PPD and the range of emotions that may be experienced along with methods of seeking help.
One out of five women will experience postpartum depression (Albert, 2002). Beck explored the concept of PPD beyond the analysis of symptoms and definition of major depressive mood disorders essentially because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) does not include PPD as a diagnosis (Beck & Driscoll, 2006). A qualitative study was
Postpartum Depression:
Analysis and Application by Jennifer R. Marsh, RN BSN
Abstract: This paper examines Cheryl
Tatano Beck’s middle range theory of postpartum depression: Teetering on the
Edge. Concepts and definitions of the theory are outlined, as well as assumptions and propositions. The postpartum depression theory is further examined and evaluated in its relation to the field of nursing, its applicability to practice, and author’s scope of practice.
Keywords: postpartum depression, Beck, pregnancy, Middle Range
Theory
For over 20 years, Cheryl Tatano Beck has focused her research on postpartum mood disorder and anxiety. In 1993,
Beck published her middle range theory on postpartum depression, titled Teetering on the Edge. As Beck completed a literature review on postpartum depression (PPD), she came to realize that there was limited qualitative research available. Beck’s primary goal was to produce a study/research in which humanity (through what one experienced) was represented in its’ relation to PPD.
Components of the Theory
The use of Beck’s theory on PPD is a relevant tool for any provider, whether midwife, childbirth educator, or nurse, to enhance the care provided to pregnant and postpartum clientele. Providers that interact with this particular clientele for a limited time need to be diligent to recognize signs and symptoms of PPD. Not only do providers need to be able to recognize PPD but also adequately educate our clientele regarding PPD and the range of emotions that may be experienced along with methods of seeking help.
One out of five women will experience postpartum depression (Albert, 2002). Beck explored the concept of PPD beyond the analysis of symptoms and definition of major depressive mood disorders essentially because the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV) does not include PPD as a diagnosis (Beck & Driscoll, 2006). A qualitative study was
References: Albert, C. (2002). The dark days of postpartum depression. Advance for NPs & PAs, 10(6), 67 Beck, C. T. (1991). Early postpartum discharge: Literature review and critique. Women and Health, 17, 125-138. Beck, C. T. (1992). The lived experinece of postpartum depression: A phenomenological study. Nursing Research, 41, 166-170. Beck, C. T. (1993). Teetering on the edge: A substantive theory of postpartum depression. Nursing Research, 42(1), 42-48. Beck, C. T. (1996). A meta-analysis of predictors of postpartum depression. Beck, C. T. (1998). The effects of postpartum depression on child development: A meta-analysis. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 12(1), 12-20. Beck, C. T. (2001). Predictors of postpartum depression: An update. Nursing Research, 50, 275-285. Beck, C. T. (2002). Postpartum depression a meta-synthesis. Quality Health Research, 12, 453-472. Beck, C. T. (2002). Revision of the Postpartum Depressin Predictors Inventory. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing, 31(4), 394-402. Beck, C. T., & Driscoll, J. W. (2006). Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders: A clinician’s guide Beck, C. T., Gable, R. K., Sakala, C., & Declercq, E. R. (2011). Posttraumatic stress disorder in new mothers: results from a two-stage U.S Dennis, T. R., & Moloney, M. F. (2009). Surviving postpartum depression and choosing to be a mother Lasiuk, G. C., & Ferguson, L. M. (2005). From practice to midrange theory and back again: Beck’s Theory of Postpartum Depression Logsdon, M., Wisner, K., & Shanahan, B. (2007). Evidence on postpartum depression: 10 publications to guide nursing practice Morse, C., Durkin, S., Buist, A., & Milgram, J. (2004). Improving the postnatal outcomes of new mothers. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 45(5), 465-475.