Tap into Research

Tap into Research is a monthly article that breaks down examples of studies that use smartphones and wearables to explore important health questions.

Authored by Emma Pritchard, HRfH Research Associate.

This month’s article

October 2026: Understanding the link between emotional regulation and perinatal depression

This month’s edition of Tap into Research looks at a study investigating the association between emotional regulation and depressive symptoms across the perinatal period.

Researchers analysed data from over 600 participants who were part of the Mom2B cohort. Participants answered questions on a smartphone app 1-2 times per week during different stages of pregnancy and after birth.

Difficulties in emotional regulation measured during the second trimester were associated with higher levels of perinatal depressive symptoms up to 14-23 weeks after birth.

These findings suggest screening for emotional regulation early in pregnancy could help identify women who may be at greater risk of developing depressive symptoms, meaning support could be offered earlier.

Read the full article: Understanding the link between emotional regulation and perinatal depression

Previous articles

Read previous editions of Tap into Research.