Puerperal psychosis - exploring the role of relationships. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The experience of women who have received a diagnosis of puerperal psychosis and their significant others: Exploring the role of relationships
IRAS ID
131222
Contact name
Caroline Wyatt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lancaster University
Research summary
This study aims to explore experiences labelled as puerperal psychosis from the perspective of mothers and their significant others. The study will particularly focus on the role of relationships within this experience. Previous research suggests that relationships with partners, family, friends and children may be affected for mothers who have experienced significant levels of mental distress after giving birth. It is also likely that their experience of their relationships plays a role in how mothers and their significant others make sense of this period. There is an emphasis in professional guidelines on involving the family in the mother’s care, both to facilitate a supportive environment upon discharge and to ensure that the impact on the family is recognised and addressed, if appropriate. It is hoped that the study will allow professionals to consider how they can utilise the supportive nature of close relationships, how the experience of puerperal psychosis may affect significant others, and develop a deeper understanding of the context into which women are discharged from hospital. The study is funded by Lancaster University and participants will be recruited through services across Great Britain, as well as through online support groups. Women who have received a diagnosis of puerperal psychosis will be eligible to participate, along with a significant other of their choosing. Participants will be interviewed with their significant other for approximately one hour. Interviews will be semi-structured in nature, allowing participants to discuss issues which they deem to be of importance to the research question.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NW/0625
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion