Impact of Sensory Sensitivity and Partner Support on Perinatal Depression

Perinatal depression, characterized by persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and a loss of interest, affects between 10% and 25% of women during the perinatal period, which begins at the 22nd week of pregnancy and extends to seven days postpartum, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). A recent longitudinal study conducted by Maria Spinelli, a researcher at G. d'Annunzio Chieti-Pescara University in Italy and supported by the BIAL Foundation, has shed light on the trajectories of maternal depression during this critical time, emphasizing the roles of sensory sensitivity and partner support.

The study, titled "Maternal depression during the perinatal period: the role of Sensory Processing Sensitivity and social support and its impact on infants’ negative affect," published in the *Frontiers in Psychology* journal on June 18, 2025, followed 88 mothers without a clinical diagnosis of depression over four time points: late pregnancy, three months, six months, and nine months postpartum. It aims to explore how individual factors such as Sensory Processing Sensitivity (SPS) and contextual factors, particularly the level of partner support, influence the evolution of depressive symptoms.

SPS refers to an increased awareness and reactivity to both internal and external stimuli. According to Spinelli, "High sensitivity can therefore increase the risk of depression, while partner support during pregnancy has a protective effect." This statement underscores the importance of social support structures during pregnancy, as the absence of partner support may exacerbate feelings of sadness and anxiety.

The findings indicate that mothers exhibiting high sensory sensitivity, coupled with minimal partner support, are at a greater risk of experiencing negative emotional states. The study revealed that while mood declines immediately post-birth, it generally improves over time. However, those with heightened sensitivity and lower levels of partner involvement are notably more vulnerable to persistent feelings of depression. Furthermore, prenatal depression was found to influence the emotional reactivity of infants, increasing their propensity for negative affect, suggesting that maternal mental health directly impacts infant emotional development.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco, notes that "the implications of this research extend beyond individual mothers to the broader family dynamic, highlighting the essential role of partner participation in parenting programs designed to foster supportive relationships from the outset of pregnancy."

The study's conclusions advocate for the integration of partner involvement in support programs for new mothers, as fostering positive familial relationships can lead to healthier emotional transitions into parenthood. "Enhancing and promoting affective interactive touch in the postpartum period can improve the bond between mother and infant, benefiting both parties' emotional adjustments," Spinelli adds.

In light of these findings, the research suggests a need for the development of targeted interventions aimed at improving partner engagement and sensory processing awareness during and after pregnancy. Such strategies could ultimately mitigate the adverse effects of perinatal depression, enhancing the emotional health of both mothers and their children.

As the challenges of perinatal depression continue to affect a significant portion of new mothers, understanding the interplay between sensory sensitivity and partner support emerges as a vital area for further research and intervention. This study not only provides critical insights into the trajectories of perinatal depression but also lays the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at supporting maternal mental health during one of life’s most transformative periods.