Coping with uncertainties and fears of childbirth (CUBS-2)

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Is a brief online Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention feasible and acceptable to help reduce fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy?

  • IRAS ID

    323825

  • Contact name

    Pauline Slade

  • Contact email

    Ps1ps@liverpool.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Liverpool

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 3 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    The aim is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a brief online Acceptance and Commitment Therapy informed intervention to support women experiencing fear of childbirth (FOC) in first pregnancy. FOC can negatively impact women's mental health as well as being linked to increased health care usage, negative experiences of childbirth, postnatal depression and trauma. Howard et al., (2021) conducted a feasibility study to assess whether a single session ACT intervention can help women manage uncertainties about childbirth and cope with FOC during first pregnancy. Preliminary treatment signals demonstrated reductions in FOC and anxiety. Although no changes in intolerance of uncertainty (IOU) were found. This warrants further exploration of potential mechanisms of change in FOC following an ACT intervention.
    The core aim of ACT is to increase ‘psychological flexibility’. Psychological flexibility can be achieved by “A (accepting thoughts, feelings, be present), C (choosing a valued direction), T (taking action)” by addressing one’s willingness to accept the presence of fear, followed by a conscious decision to put efforts into living a meaningful life as opposed to trying to combat the fear itself. The current study will assess changes in psychological flexibility following the intervention and examine whether the intervention helps expectant mothers minimise avoidant coping styles through developing a willingness to sit with fears regarding childbirth and committing to acting in line with their values.
    We will recruit first time mothers aged over 18, with approximately 6 women per session. Two online group sessions will take place via video conferencing software. Prior to attending the sessions women will complete a consent form and pre-intervention questionnaires. Following both sessions, women will provide evaluative feedback. 2 weeks after attendance participants will complete post-intervention questionnaires. It is anticipated that the findings will lead to further research examining how to provide effective interventions for FOC.

  • REC name

    London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/PR/0083

  • Date of REC Opinion

    7 Feb 2023

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion