Degree Name

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)

Program

Psychology

Date of Award

12-2026

Committee Chair or Co-Chairs

Diana Morelen

Committee Members

Stacey Williams, Julia Dodd, Michael Smith

Abstract

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are as a public health concern in the United States. Individuals from minoritized racial/ethnic groups face a significantly elevated risk of maternal morbidity, mortality, mental health disorders, and associated adverse outcomes. Emerging studies also reveal a higher likelihood of experiencing perinatal mental health concerns in individuals with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), currently known as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS). People who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a person of color (BIPOC) face unique healthcare challenges given the added structural and social burdens. This online survey study aimed to 1) understand the relationship between PMOS and postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms in postpartum people who identify as BIPOC and 2) examine whether the relationship between PMOS status and postpartum mood and anxiety symptoms among BIPOC postpartum people is moderated by various individual and system-level risk factors. Results of this study affirmed that individuals with PMOS have a higher prevalence of poor perinatal mental health. Negative healthcare experiences and barriers to mental health care did not serve as added risk factors in the context of PMOS and PMADs, but they did serve as robust bivariate predictors of PMADs. Our study affirmed the robust scientific claim that negative healthcare experiences and higher risk regarding social determinants of health are associated with more mental health struggles and reify the need for programs and policies that promote improved social determinants of health.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

Copyright

Copyright by the authors.

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