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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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Open Access 01-07-2010 | Original Paper

Anxiety and depressive symptoms related to parenthood in a large Norwegian community sample: the HUNT2 study

Authors: Tormod Rimehaug, Jan Wallander

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 7/2010

Abstract

Introduction

The study compared anxiety and depression prevalence between parents and non-parents in a society with family- and parenthood-friendly social politics, controlling for family status and family history, age, gender, education and social class.

Methods

All participants aged 30–49 (N = 24,040) in the large, non-sampled Norwegian HUNT2 community health study completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales.

Results

The slightly elevated anxiety and depression among non-parents compared to parents in the complete sample was not confirmed as statistically significant within any subgroups. Married parents and (previously unmarried) cohabiting parents did not differ in portraying low anxiety and depression prevalence. Anxiety was associated with single parenthood, living alone or being divorced, while elevated depression was found only among those living alone.

Discussion

Burdening selection and cultural/political context are suggested as interpretative perspectives on the contextual and personal influences on the complex relationship between parenthood and mental health.

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Title: Anxiety and depressive symptoms related to parenthood in a large Norwegian community sample: the HUNT2 study
Authors: Tormod Rimehaug
Jan Wallander
Publication date: 01-07-2010
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 7/2010
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-009-0110-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Anxiety and depressive symptoms related to parenthood in a large Norwegian community sample: the HUNT2 study

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

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