What is it about?
Women of color suffer from postpartum depression at disproportionately higher rates compared to the general population. While research on their mental health has often focused solely on their increased risk for perinatal mood disorders, this paper explores whether different factors can also protect them from poor mental health outcomes.
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Why is it important?
This research supports a shift from a deficit mindset regarding research on women of color. Findings emphasize some of the strengths of Black and Latina mothers that can be better leveraged in clinical interventions to support their mental health during a major life transition, the transition to parenthood.
Perspectives
Writing my first article on a topic I’m very passionate about was a meaningful experience for me. I hope this article sparks more conversation about our current maternal health crisis and underscores the urgency of addressing inequities across multiple system levels. Most importantly, I want readers to recognize that meaningful changes can and must be made to improve the health and well-being of Black and Latina mothers, who deserve the same quality of care and opportunities for success as all mothers.
Ciara Venter
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Life events and postpartum depressive symptoms among Black and Latina mothers: The role of protective factors., American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, March 2025, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/ort0000842.
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