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http://hdl.handle.net/11375/27865
Title: | EXAMINING CHANGES IN MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AND INFANT BEHAVIOUR AFTER PEER-DELIVERED TREATMENT FOR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION |
Authors: | Merza, Donya |
Advisor: | Van Lieshout, Ryan |
Department: | Neuroscience |
Keywords: | postpartum depression;cognitive behavioural therapy;peer-administered intervention |
Publication Date: | Nov-2022 |
Abstract: | Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects up to 20% of mothers and birthing parents, yet only 1 in 10 receive evidence-based treatment. Left untreated, PPD increases the risk of future depressive episodes, familial disharmony, and offspring problems. This study sought to determine if an online 9-week group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention delivered by mothers who have recovered from postpartum depression (i.e., peers) can effectively improve PPD, anxiety, social support, the mother-infant relationship, and infant temperament in those with PPD. Methodology: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 183 participants were randomized into experimental (received intervention at baseline plus treatment as usual (TAU)) and waitlist control (TAU plus the intervention after a 9-week wait) groups. Participants were ≥18 years of age, had an infant <12 months old, were fluent in English and scored ≥10 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Depression, anxiety, social support, mother-infant bonding, and infant behaviour were reported by all mothers at enrollment and 9-weeks later, and three months after that in the experimental group. Results: Participants in the experimental group experienced clinically and statistically significant improvements in PPD and anxiety post-treatment and three months later. Perceptions of social support, infant-focused anxiety, and negative emotionality in infants also improved immediately post-intervention and remained stable three months later in the experimental group. Conclusion: Online peer-delivered group CBT for PPD can effectively treat PPD and anxiety, as well as improve social support, the mother-infant relationship, and infant temperament. Online Peer-Delivered Group CBT for PPD is a novel approach to service delivery that can increase treatment uptake, providing mothers experiencing PPD with access to a credible and engaging source of help, and has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of PPD in Canada and around the world. |
URI: | http://hdl.handle.net/11375/27865 |
Appears in Collections: | Open Access Dissertations and Theses |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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merza_donya_m_2208_msc.pdf | 416.51 kB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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