Postnatal Depression and the Tsimane

My research seeks to provide insight into the mediating factors of Perinatal Depression (PND). To achieve this, I will focus on data from a single population, the Tsimane, a group of forager-horticulturalists residing in Bolivia. I will analyze the various factors contributing to Postnatal depression. The Tsimane represent an opportunity to investigate the prevalence of PND in a subsistence and kin-based society, with access to social support, where one would expect to see lower rates of PND. I predict that within this context, women with less social support, spousal support, and access to resources are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. I will explore my hypotheses through one main line of questioning: How do factors such as kin support, partner support, and resources impact women’s depressive symptomology?