Physiological linkage in pregnancy: Couples' cortisol, negative conflict behavior, and postpartum depression.

Within-couple concordance in momentary cortisol levels ("cortisol linkage") may reflect meaningful relationship dynamics. In this study, we examined couple cortisol linkage during pregnancy, associations with negative conflict couple behavior, and subsequent postpartum depressive symptoms. Eighty-two opposite-sex couples expecting their first child engaged in a conflict discussion, provided six salivary cortisol samples over the course of a laboratory visit, and then reported on depressive symptoms six months after their baby's birth.