Postpartum Depression: 8-Year Mental Health Study
- A recent study indicates a significant decline in the self-reported mental health of mothers in the United States.
- The research, a cross-sectional analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health, examined data from 198,417 female biological or adoptive parents of children aged 0 to 17 years.
- While physical health also saw a slight decrease in "excellent" reports (from 28% to 23.9%), the shift was less pronounced than the mental health decline.
Between 2016 and 2023,a complete 8-year study vividly reveals a sharp decline in U.S. mothers’ mental well-being, with “excellent” mental health reports plummeting from 38.4% to 25.8%. This concerning trend, affecting diverse socioeconomic groups, spotlights the urgent need to address postpartum depression and related challenges. The research,published in JAMA Internal Medicine,underscores the growing challenges impacting maternal mental health and the rising prevalence of fair or poor mental health. researchers call for investments to address the underlying causes, especially among low-income mothers, indicating maternal mental health is a critical issue for families. Even though the study had some limitations, its conclusions are robust, as shown in the article from News Directory 3. Discover what’s next as experts delve into the factors driving this decline and solutions for vulnerable mothers.
Decline in US Mothers’ Mental Health Sparks Concern
Updated May 27, 2025
A recent study indicates a significant decline in the self-reported mental health of mothers in the United States. Between 2016 and 2023, the percentage of mothers reporting “excellent” mental health dropped from 38.4% to 25.8%.Simultaneously, those reporting “fair/poor” mental health increased from 5.5% to 8.5%. This concerning trend highlights the growing challenges impacting maternal mental health and well-being.
The research, a cross-sectional analysis of the National Survey of Children’s Health, examined data from 198,417 female biological or adoptive parents of children aged 0 to 17 years. The study, led by Jamie R. Daw, PhD, of Columbia University Mailman School of Public health, revealed that the decline in excellent mental health was widespread across socioeconomic groups. Poorer mental health status was particularly evident among U.S.-born mothers, single parents, individuals with less education, and those with publicly insured or uninsured children. The study was published in JAMA Internal Medicine.
While physical health also saw a slight decrease in “excellent” reports (from 28% to 23.9%), the shift was less pronounced than the mental health decline. Researchers noted that the trends in maternal mental health and physical health began before the COVID-19 pandemic, although the pandemic exacerbated the prevalence of fair or poor mental health.
The study used a four-point Likert scale to measure maternal physical and mental health (excellent, very good, good, fair/poor). Regression models were used to estimate trends and sociodemographic disparities. The average age of the mothers included in the analysis was 39 years.
“Investments are needed to investigate and address the underlying causes of mental health decline among US mothers, especially those of low socioeconomic status,” the study authors wrote.
Researchers acknowledged limitations, including the use of single-item Likert response questions for health measures.They noted that while these questions are strong predictors of subsequent medical care and mortality, they also exhibit reporting heterogeneity across sociodemographic groups. Additionally, low self-reported health ratings may not always translate into clinically meaningful diagnoses.
what’s next
Further research is needed to pinpoint the specific factors driving this decline in maternal mental health and to develop targeted interventions to support mothers, particularly those in vulnerable socioeconomic groups. Addressing this issue is crucial for the well-being of families and communities.