Predictive Validity of Screening Tools and Role of Self-Esteem and Coping in Postpartum Depression Risk.

: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent mental health disorder affecting women after childbirth, with significant adverse effects on both maternal and infant outcomes. Early detection and intervention are critical to improving health trajectories. : This narrative review compares the predictive validity of commonly used screening instruments for PPD, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and brief tools like PHQ-2 and PHQ-4. It also examines the role of self-esteem, assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and coping mechanisms, evaluated through the COPE Inventory, in moderating PPD risk. : Validation studies reveal variability in the performance of screening tools across different populations, emphasizing the need for contextual calibration. Low self-esteem and maladaptive coping strategies are consistently associated with higher PPD risk, with socioeconomic status (SES) further influencing these relationships. Interventions focusing on enhancing self-esteem and promoting adaptive coping, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychoeducation, show promise in reducing PPD incidence. : This review highlights gaps in existing research, particularly regarding screening during pregnancy, and calls for integrated predictive models incorporating psychosocial variables. Early, context-sensitive screening approaches are essential for effective PPD prevention and management.