It is common for parents in the postpartum period (the first twelve months following childbirth) to experience psychological difficulties, particularly low mood. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based intervention that aims to cultivate psychological flexibility; the ability to stay in contact with the present moment regardless of unpleasant thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, while choosing one's behaviours based on values. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is effective in reducing depression in the general population, including brief ACT interventions. However, the effectiveness of ACT interventions in the postpartum period is not yet fully established. This study aims to investigate the feasibility (recruitment source, rate and attrition rate), acceptability (usability, usefulness and satisfaction) and the potential effectiveness (to inform the required sample size for a fully powered randomised control trial) of a four week internet-based ACT intervention for postpartum parents on depression.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
138
At baseline (i.e. Pre-intervention) participants will complete several questionnaires online via Qualtrics.
Participants will complete the 4-week online intervention via Qualtrics
Participants will complete several questionnaires online via Qualtrics.
Participants will complete several questionnaires online via Qualtrics.
Royal Holloway University of London
Egham, Surrey, United Kingdom
Change in Depression on The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from Baseline to Post Intervention (i.e. between week 4-6 after baseline assessment)
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-question self-rating questionnaire measuring severity of postpartum depression symptoms. Change = (Between 4 to 6 Weeks- Baseline Score)
Time frame: Baseline and Between 4 to 6 Weeks
Change in Depression on The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale from Baseline to Follow-up (i.e. between week 8-12 after baseline assessment)
The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-question self-rating questionnaire measuring severity of postpartum depression symptoms. Change = (Between 8 to 12 Weeks- Baseline Score)
Time frame: Baseline and Between 8 to 12 Weeks
Change in Wellbeing Score on The Flourishing Scale from Baseline to Post Intervention (i.e. between week 4-6 after baseline assessment)
The Flourishing scale provides a single psychological well-being score. Participants answer on a 7-point scale to what extent they agree (7) or disagree (1) with the 8 statements relating to relationships, self-esteem, purpose and optimism. Change = (Between week 4 to 6- Baseline Score)
Time frame: Baseline and Between 4 to 6 Weeks
Change in Wellbeing Score on The Flourishing Scale from Baseline to Follow Up (i.e. between week 8-12 weeks after baseline assessment)
The Flourishing scale provides a single psychological well-being score. Participants answer on a 7-point scale to what extent they agree (7) or disagree (1) with the 8 statements relating to relationships, self-esteem, purpose and optimism. Change = (Between week 8 to 12- Baseline Score)
Time frame: Baseline and Between 8 to 12 Weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.