Social Identity and Postnatal Wellbeing Version: 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Social connections, identity and wellbeing in the transition to motherhood.
IRAS ID
269724
Contact name
Susannah Gilmour
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford/Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 12 days
Research summary
The transition to motherhood is a life-changing event. Whilst it is often highly anticipated and joyful, it can also be confusing and overwhelming. It is not uncommon, therefore, for women to experience signs and symptoms of postnatal depression (PND). Research highlights a number of important factors in preventing or managing PND. In particular, supportive relationships and social connections are known to protect and improve new mothers’ mental health. The current project will use the Social Identity Approach (SIA) as a way to explore this further.
A social identity is defined as sense of who someone is based upon the groups they are a part of, e.g. family, friendship, leisure and professional groups. Using a social identity, a person would classify themselves as being a part of something important (“we” and “us” instead of “me” and “I”). In other areas, SIA research highlights that maintaining and gaining social identities during transitions can boost wellbeing, whilst losing identities can be harmful.
For this study, being a new mother is considered to be a new ‘social identity’ that is available to women.
We will investigate if difficulties connecting with this new identity lead someone to experience PND. We are also interested in how easily women feel they can integrate the new motherhood social identity with their pre-existing network of identities, to see if compatibility (ease of integration) further impacts PND.Currently, there is very little research looking purposely at how women’s social identities change during the motherhood transition. This project could have important implications for understanding the contribution of social factors on the development, management and prevention of PND. This will enhance how women’s wellbeing needs are recognised and supported during this major life change.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/1963
Date of REC Opinion
24 Jan 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion