Article credentials

Original Research

Bridging Support and Care: Examining the Relationships Among Depressive Symptoms, Perceived Partner Support and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Help in Filipino Postpartum Women

A World Journal of Human Dynamics and Social Relations

ISSN Online: 3028-1997 | Print: 3028-1962

Volume 7 | Issue 1 | 2026 | 79 – 99

Peony Chan, ORCID No. 0009-0004-2552-174X

Master of Arts in Guidance and Clinical/Counseling Psychology, St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, Philippines

Article History:

Initial submission: 14 January 2026
First decision: 18 January 2026
Revision received: 19 February 2026
Accepted for publication: 23 February 2026
Online release: 02 March 2026

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Abstract

Postpartum women experience significant emotional and psychological challenges that may lead to depressive symptoms. Adequate emotional support and access to professional care are essential for their well-being. Acknowledging that partner support and help-seeking attitudes play a role in how women cope with postpartum distress, this study employed a correlational, cross-sectional design to examine the relationships among depressive symptoms, perceived partner support, and attitudes toward seeking professional help. Participants were Filipino women aged 20-45 years old, within six months postpartum, cohabiting with their partner for at least one year, regardless of marital and employment status. 52.5% participated through onsite data collection in various health centers and hospitals, while 47.5% participated online. Standardized tools were utilized, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS), Postpartum Partner Support Scale (PPSS), and Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form (ATSPPHS-SF). Findings revealed high levels of depressive symptoms, moderate perceived partner support and moderately positive attitudes toward seeking professional help. A positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and perceived partner support. These findings highlight public health concerns due to the severity of depressive symptoms and the presence of self-harm ideation. Corresponding recommendations are presented within the study.

Keywords: postpartum women, depressive symptoms, partner support, help-seeking attitudes, public health concern

Cite this article

APA (7th edition)

Chan, P. (2026). Bridging support and care: Examining the relationships among depressive symptoms, perceived partner support and attitudes toward seeking professional help in Filipino postpartum women. Social Science Lens: A World Journal of Human Dynamics and Social Relations, 7(1), 79–99. https://doi.org/10.62718/vmca.ssl-wjhdsr.7.1.SC-0126-020

Author contributions

– (Not applicable).

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Conflict of interest

The author declares that the research was conducted without commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Institutional ethics review statement

This study was approved by the Institute Research Ethics Committee of St. Scholastica’s College Manila.

Data availability statement

Due to ethical restrictions, the data are not publicly available but may be obtained from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Declaration of generative AI use/assistance

ChatGPT (OpenAI) was used for grammar editing only.

Acknowledgement

– (Not available).

Publisher’s disclaimer

The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any responsibility for errors or omissions.

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