ABSTRACT
This chapter presents Wenzel's bio psychosocial model of perinatal distress. It describes the salient cognitive and behavioral components of the cognitive behavioral model. Genetic vulnerability refers to the extent to which a woman has a genetic predisposition for depression, anxiety, and other expressions of emotional distress. According to Milgrom, theoretical model of perinatal distress and Ross empirical model of perinatal distress, vulnerability factors were directly associated with perinatal distress, and they were also mediated by life stress. Stressors that are specific to the perinatal period include pregnancy complications, difficult-to-schedule doctor's appointments, pressure to complete the nursery before the baby is born, and making a decision about child care. The bio psychosocial model of perinatal distress provides a heuristic for understanding the pathway by which clinical presentations of perinatal distress develop. Thus, CBT is an approach to psychotherapy in which theory plays a central role in organizing information and driving strategic interventions.
