The impact of postpartum psychosis on partners

Holford, Nia Caitlin 2016. The impact of postpartum psychosis on partners. ClinPsy Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

Postpartum Psychosis is a severe mental health problem following childbirth, with a psychotic element and associated mood disturbance. Research to date has primarily focused on mothers’ experiences, and on identifying risk factors, aetiology, and intervention efficacy. Within both research and clinical communities, there has been little acknowledgement of partners’ experiences of Postpartum Psychosis, nor the important support role that partners can provide. The aim of this study was to consider the lived experiences of partners of women who have had Postpartum Psychosis, and the impact that it has had on their lives and relationships. Participants were partners recruited through the charity Action for Postpartum Psychosis. Partners were asked to complete an online questionnaire to provide basic demographic and contextual information, followed by an in-depth, semi-structured interview regarding their experiences of Postpartum Psychosis. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Partners reported a lack of support being provided to them, and typically perceived a deterioration in the quality of their couple relationship during, and following, the episode of Postpartum Psychosis. Seven superordinate themes were extracted from the interview data: powerlessness; united vs. individual coping; hypothesising and hindsight; barriers to accessing care and unmet needs; managing multiple roles; loss; and positive changes from Postpartum Psychosis. These findings provide a rich illustration of the experiences of partners, and highlight areas in which support could be provided for partners. Limitations of the study, and implications for future research and clinical practice, are discussed.

Item Type:	Thesis (DClinPsy)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Psychology
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Postpartum Psychosis, partners, experience, loss, support, relationship
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	10 August 2016
Last Modified:	24 Jan 2022 16:36
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/93735

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