A Conceptual Analysis of Mental Health Maladaptation in Postpartum.

This concept analysis aims to explore how the concept of maladaptation applies to mental health changes among postpartum women. The concept of maladaptation is utilized throughout various disciplines but minimally in women's health, including a limited focus on maladaptive body dissatisfaction and perfectionistic beliefs of women in the postpartum period. The Walker and Avant eight-phase model was used to guide this analysis. A search for maladaptation articles through Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Complete, ProQuest, and PubMed databases, as well as Google Scholar, was conducted. A review of the literature concerning maladaptation in postpartum mental health resulted in defining two key attributes, including conforming to cultural norms of body image and pressure of perfection. In understanding maladaptation and its attributes, childbirth educators and health-care professionals will be able to better determine more contributing factors for postpartum depression (PPD) and formulate a plan that includes early intervention and support. This concept analysis is intended to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by understanding mental health maladaptations related to PPD.