Exploration of post-traumatic growth in postpartum psychosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of post-traumatic growth in families of women who have experienced postpartum psychosis.
IRAS ID
339608
Contact name
Lauren Staniforth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 25 days
Research summary
This research involves carrying out joint interviews between mothers who have experienced postpartum psychosis and a family member who supported them through this.
Postpartum psychosis is a mental health condition that can affect women shortly after childbirth. It can cause women to feel scared and confused; they sometimes see or hear things that other people do not, and often do not sleep because of this.
During the interview, the mother and her loved one will be asked to tell their stories about how their experience of postpartum psychosis has impacted them. The interview will last up to two hours and can be online or in person (if local to the researcher in Hull). The interview will be audio recorded and then transcribed. The data will be anonymous (meaning that participants’ personal details will not be included, so their story cannot be linked back to them). The study hopes to interview between four and six duos. Participants will be recruited through advertisements on social media, charities, and NHS mental health clinics. This study aims to capture mothers’ stories about the positive and negative effects of postpartum psychosis over time, alongside their family's view of this. The research hopes to highlight the role family plays in the treatment and recovery from postpartum psychosis, as well as how postpartum psychosis might change families outlooks on life.
Results Summary
What can ultimately be inferred from the findings is restricted by the limited sample of the participants involved. Amongst this small group of white-British, heterosexual couples, increased empathy seems to have developed towards others experiencing mental health difficulties following lived experience of postpartum psychosis. Some evidence of increased feelings of closeness and strength within relationships was found, but this was not consistent across the whole sample.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/NW/0197
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion