Locus of control and prenatal depression

Prenatal depression is a significant predictor of postpartum depression and is detrimental to fetal development. Locus of control was examined in this study as a potential predictor of prenatal depression. One hundred and thirty-three rural pregnant women recruited from obstetricians’ offices completed the Levenson Scale on Locus of Control and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Multiple regression analysis indicated that after controlling for previous or current mental health problems, the External Locus of Control-Chance Scale accounted for 17% of the variance in depression scores.

► The study demonstrates that locus of control is a significant predictor of depressive symptomology specifically in pregnant women. ► Locus of Control Scale scores accounted for 21% of the variance in depression scores. ► External Locus of Control-Chance was the only significant locus of control dimension. ► When controlling for previous or current mental health problems the External Locus of Control-Chance Scale continued to account for 17% of the variance in depression scores.