Psychological Distress in Healthy Low-Risk First-Time Mothers during the Postpartum Period: An Exploratory Study
Date
2017-01
Authors
Murphey, Christina
Carter, Patricia
Price, Larry R.
Champion, Jane
Nichols, Francine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
Psychological distress, defined as depression, anxiety, and insomnia in this study, can occur following the birth of a baby as new mothers, in addition to marked physiological changes, are faced with adapting to new roles and responsibilities. We investigated the cooccurrence of stress, depression, anxiety, and insomnia in mothers during the postpartum period; tested the feasibility of study methods and procedures for use in this population; and identified new mothers interest in using cranial electrotherapy stimulation (CES) as an intervention for reducing psychological distress. We recruited healthy, low-risk, English speaking first-time mothers, ages 18-32 years, with healthy babies (N = 33), within 12 months of an uncomplicated birth. Participants completed the PSS, HAM-D<sub>14</sub>, HAM-A<sub>17</sub>, and PSQI<sub>19</sub>. No problems were encountered with study procedures. Mothers reported a high interest (4.9) in the potential use of CES to treat or prevent the occurrence of psychological distress. All participants (N = 33) reported moderate levels of depression and anxiety, while 75.8% (n = 25) reported insomnia. PSS scores were within the norms for healthy women. Further research is recommended to investigate if our findings can be replicated or if different patterns of associations emerge. Implications for clinical practice are addressed.
Description
Keywords
psychological distress, postpartum, pregnancy, mothers, Counseling, Leadership, Adult Education, and School Psychology
Citation
Murphey, C., Carter, P., Price, L. R., Champion, J. D., & Nichols, F. (2017). Psychological distress in healthy low-risk first-time mothers during the postpartum period: An exploratory study. Nursing Research and Practice, 2017, No. 8415083.
Rights
Rights Holder
© 2017 Christina Murphey et al.
Rights License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.