Perceived Social Support and Subjective Well-Being as predictors of Life Satisfaction in Women going through the Postpartum Period

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to analyze whether perceived social support and subjective well-being predict life satisfaction in women experiencing the postpartum period. An ex post facto cross-sectional design was employed. The sample consisted of 257 women aged between 18 and 45 years, residing in the City of Buenos Aires and Greater Buenos Aires. Participants completed self-report instruments validated for the Argentine context, assessing perceived social support, positive and negative affect, and life satisfaction. The results showed statistically  significant associations between life satisfaction and the dimensions of perceived social support, as well as subjective well-being. Specifically, emotional support, affective support, and positive affect were associated with higher levels of life satisfaction, whereas negative affect showed an inverse relationship. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that perceived social support and subjective well-being explained a substantial proportion of the variance in life satisfaction. Overall, these findings highlight the relevance of psychosocial and emotional resources in the subjective experience of the postpartum period and underscore the need to promote comprehensive approaches in perinatal mental health care. Such approaches should address not only the prevention of psychological distress but also the active promotion of subjective well-being during the postpartum period.