Purpose: This study examined the experiences of postnatal depression between a group of Chinese and Caucasian women.
Design and methods: This was a secondary analysis of two phenomenological studies. Thirty-five Chinese women and 12 Australian women were interviewed.
Findings: Women felt being trapped in the depression. The Hong Kong women attributed their depression to their mothers-in-law and husbands, and expressed much anger. The Australian women attributed their depression to not being able to live up to the ideal mother image, and felt guilty.
Practice implications: Interventions were recommended with consideration for the cultural values that influenced women's experiences of postnatal depression.