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CHAP TER

Cheryl Tatano Beck

Postpartum Depression Theory

M. Katherine Maeve

“The birth of a baby is an occasion for joy—or so the saying
goes . . . But for some women, joy is not an option”
(Beck, 2006d, p. 40).

Credentials and Background Beginning at the rank of instructor in 1973, Beck
of the Theorist has held academic appointments with increasing rank
Cheryl Tatano Beck graduated from the Western at several major universities, including the University
Connecticut State University with a baccalaureate in of Maryland, the University of Michigan, Florida
nursing in 1970. She recognized during her first clini- Atlantic University, the University of Rhode Island,
cal rotation that obstetrical nursing was to be her and Yale University, and as professor at the University
lifelong specialty. After graduation, Beck worked as a of Connecticut, where she holds a joint appointment
registered nurse at the Yale New Haven Hospital on in the School of Nursing and School of Medicine.
the postpartum and normal newborn nursery unit. Beck has served as consultant on numerous research
By 1972, Beck had graduated from Yale University projects for universities and state agencies in the
with a master’s degree in maternal-newborn nursing northeastern United States. During her career, Beck
and a certificate in nurse midwifery. In 1982, she re- has received more than 30 awards, including Distin-
ceived a doctorate in nursing science from Boston guished Researcher of the Year from the Eastern
University. Nursing Research Society in 1999. She was inducted

The author wishes to thank Dr. Cheryl Tatano Beck for her generosity of spirit in allowing me liberties with the interpretation of her
life’s work. Dr. Beck’s work represents an enormous contribution to nursing, made even more remarkable because it did not depend
on boatloads of NIH funding. That alone is an inspiration. Thanks are also extended to Dr. Peggy L. Chinn, who happily has not
retired as a mentor or friend.

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