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Maternal and Child Health Journal

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01-11-2015

Brief Online Self-help Exercises for Postnatal Women to Improve Mood: A Pilot Study

Authors: Susan Ayers, Gemima Fitzgerald, Susan Thompson

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 11/2015

Abstract

Objectives

Giving birth and adjusting to a new baby can be difficult and stressful for new mothers. Negative mood may occur during this time and can affect women, their parenting and the infant’s development. This pilot study evaluated a brief online self-help intervention designed to promote positive mood in mothers of babies and toddlers.

Methods

Women in the UK who had given birth within the previous 18 months were randomly allocated to the online self-help intervention (n = 40) or active comparison group exercise (n = 40) which was matched for time and structure. Mood was measured before and after the intervention. Acceptability was examined at the end of the trial.

Results

The self-help intervention was acceptable to the majority of women and significantly increased positive mood compared to the comparison condition. This effect persisted after controlling for self-esteem, anxiety and depression. These results suggest that a simple self-help intervention focused on changing beliefs about oneself as a mother can have an immediate impact on women’s mood.

Conclusions for Practice

Further research is need to see whether these improvements continue long-term and what processes underlie these improvements.

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Title: Brief Online Self-help Exercises for Postnatal Women to Improve Mood: A Pilot Study
Authors: Susan Ayers
Gemima Fitzgerald
Susan Thompson
Publication date: 01-11-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 11/2015
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1755-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Brief Online Self-help Exercises for Postnatal Women to Improve Mood: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions for Practice

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusions for Practice

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