Why Do Frenchwomen Find Boy Babies Depressing?
Jul 31, 202029.5K Shares1.2M Views
Frenchwomen are more likely to suffer post-partum depression if their babies are male, according to a surprising new studyreleased today.
French psychology researchers interviewed 181 women one to two months after birth, and found that 9.4 percent of them were suffering severe postnatal depression; 22 percent were mildly depressed. Of the 17 deeply depressed women, 13 had given birth to boys. In the mildly depressed group (the ratings were based on answers to questions designed to test physical function, pain, mental health, emotions and social vitality), there were 24 girls and 16 boys. But in both the mildly and severely depressed groups, the mothers of boys were doing worse.
These results are the opposite of those arising in surveys conducted in China, South Asia and the Muslim world. In those countries, a high value is put on male babies, who carry the family name and sometimes win the family a dowry when married. In countries like India, women are sometimes beaten for giving birth to girls. No surprise, then, that contemplation of life with a girl baby can be more depressing.
The authors have a few notions about why female babies might be more desired in Western cultures. Using psychoanalytic language of “oedipal” and “narcissistic” personality constructs, they hypothesize that it’s easier for modern women to construct a relationship with a baby of the same sex. One woman interviewed during the study said she felt sad when she saw her son on an ultrasound because she would not be able to “educate him in a satisfactory way.” The authors also theorize that women having trouble with their relationships might see male babies as more difficult.
Another possibility is this one: the study might be a fluke. More research is obviously needed.
In the meantime, Happy Valentine’s Day, fellahs!
Dexter Cooke
Reviewer
Dexter Cooke is an economist, marketing strategist, and orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience crafting compelling narratives that resonate worldwide.
He holds a Journalism degree from Columbia University, an Economics background from Yale University, and a medical degree with a postdoctoral fellowship in orthopedic medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dexter’s insights into media, economics, and marketing shine through his prolific contributions to respected publications and advisory roles for influential organizations.
As an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive knee replacement surgery and laparoscopic procedures, Dexter prioritizes patient care above all.
Outside his professional pursuits, Dexter enjoys collecting vintage watches, studying ancient civilizations, learning about astronomy, and participating in charity runs.
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