Publication Date

2013

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Postpartum depression-Treatment, Self-help groups, MotherWomen, Inc. (Hadley, Mass.)-Evaluation, New mothers-Psychology, Quantitative, Postpartum, Mothers

Abstract

The research discussed in this paper was undertaken to determine what characteristics demographically and symptomatically make up the past and present participant base of a specific model of perinatal support groups created by MotherWoman, to evaluate the psychological and emotional experiences of participants while attending group, and to identify what potential improvements or changes could be made to the groups to better serve the participants. MotherWoman groups are support groups that are structured and facilitated, focusing on self-care and the honest sharing of the experience of mothering in a an environment of mutual respect. These mother who participate in these groups are self-selected (n=60) who attended as many or as few sessions as necessary for up to a year (a maximum time limit with exceptions). Research suggests that attendance of even one postpartum support group can be helpful to mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Getting an accurate description of the characteristics of women who attend these groups with regard to risk for or diagnosis of postpartum depression, social support, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, mother to infant bonding, parental satisfaction, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and self-efficacy. Demographics information will be collected as well to elucidate what symtomatology and characteristics participants show and how that changes with participation in the group.

Language

English

Comments

v, 127 p. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, 2013. Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-45)

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