Assertiveness and Emotional Intelligence Predict Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression has been linked to some risk factors, including social-skill deficit and emotion-related challenges. However, studies investigating social skills and emotional issues in perinatal depression are scarce. The present study examined the predictive roles of Assertiveness and Emotional Intelligence in perinatal depression among 302 women drawn from Nigeria. The participants have a mean age of 29.14 years. Data were collected using the Assertive Behaviour Inventory-Assertive Behavior sub-scale, the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale and Perinatal Depression Inventory. The study design was cross-sectional, and the results show that assertiveness (β = -.12, t = -2.12, p<.05) and emotional intelligence (β = -.14, t = -2.50, p<.05) negatively predicted Perinatal depression. The findings of this study identified Assertiveness and Emotional intelligence as factors to decrease Perinatal depression in women. Therefore, necessary training is given to pregnant women as part of pregnancy mental health care to boost their social and emotional astuteness.