Affective and Cognitive Mechanisms in Perinatal Depression and Anxiety: From Vulnerability to Intervention

The perinatal period involves profound biological, psychological, relational, and social changes. These transitions may increase vulnerability to emotional distress, particularly when women present previous psychopathology, high neuroticism, difficulties in emotion regulation, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, maladaptive beliefs about motherhood, or limited perceived support. At the same time, protective processes such as self-compassion, mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, cognitive flexibility, motherhood perceived self-efficacy and adaptive coping may reduce the risk of symptom escalation. Recent research has increasingly moved beyond symptom description toward the identification of transdiagnostic mechanisms involved in perinatal mental health. However, evidence remains dispersed across separate lines of research on vulnerability factors, protective processes, cognitive and emotional functioning, and intervention outcomes. Integrative approaches are needed to clarify how these mechanisms interact and how they can inform prevention and treatment targets. Perinatal depression and anxiety are among the most common mental health difficulties during pregnancy and the postpartum period, with relevant consequences for maternal well-being, parenting, family functioning, and child development. Despite growing evidence on prevalence, risk factors, and intervention outcomes, less is known about the affective and cognitive mechanisms that explain why some women develop clinically significant symptoms, why others remain resilient, and how psychological interventions exert their effects. This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the mechanisms involved in perinatal depression and anxiety, with a particular focus on processes of vulnerability, protection, maintenance, and change. We seek to bring together empirical, theoretical, and clinical contributions that clarify how emotional, cognitive, neuropsychological, and self-regulatory processes operate across the perinatal period. A better understanding of these mechanisms may contribute to more precise screening, prevention, and intervention strategies adapted to the specific needs of pregnant and postpartum women.This Research Topic welcomes contributions addressing affective and cognitive mechanisms involved in perinatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: emotion regulation, worry, rumination, intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety sensitivity, neuroticism, cognitive vulnerability, maternal beliefs, self-compassion, mindfulness, interoceptive awareness, executive functioning, cognitive changes, and neuropsychological or psychophysiological markers. We also welcome studies Topic editors: María Provencio, Catalina Argüello-Gutiérrez, María Cantero-García, María Dolores López-Salmerón Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81818/affective-and-cognitive-mechanisms-in-perinatal-depression-and-anxiety-from-vulnerability-to-intervention