Below are current research studies being conducted in the field of perinatal mental health.
The PSI Research Committee has reviewed study summaries and ethical procedures and has approved these studies for inclusion on our website.
- Do you want help recruiting for a research study? If you have a research project relating to pregnancy, postpartum, or post-loss mental health, you can submit a request for us to include a summary of your project and a call for enrollment. Fill out the form here to submit your project for review.
- Enroll in study? Please visit the link listed below.
- Have additional questions, please contact: communications@postpartum.net
Exploration of the Cultural Beliefs, Values, and Practices of African American/ Black Women or Birthing Persons Regarding Postpartum Depression: A Focused Ethnography
The aim of this study is to generate knowledge and better understand the cultural beliefs, values, and practices of African-American women or birthing persons regarding their perspective about postpartum depression, with the goal of improving maternal health outcomes during the postpartum period. It will entail a 30-60 minute interview with the researcher via virtual/Zoom meeting.
You are eligible to participate if:
You are an African-American/Black woman or birthing person
You are 18-65 years of age
You were born in the US
Must speak English
Have an internet connection
You do not need to have a history of postpartum depression
$20 Target gift card upon completion of interview
See Flyer for more information.
Contact: Stephanie Jacobs, jacobss3@duq.edu
Investigating Patient-Healthcare Provider Relationship as a Protective Factor in Cases of Maternal Postpartum Depression
The point of the study is to look at the relationship mothers–who have professionally or self-diagnosed Postpartum Depression (PPD)–have with their healthcare providers, ie. doctors, PAs, and midwives. Specifically, we are examining if this relationship is beneficial to the mothers as a protective factor, or something that builds resilience within individuals. Previous research has examined other support systems–the spouse, family, and parents–as protective factors but there has been very little research concerning healthcare providers. If a relationship is revealed, it will have implications for peripartum treatment in the healthcare field. If a strong relationship is shown to be a protective factor, then healthcare providers need to consistently be a strong and reliable resource especially when the patient is at risk for PPD.
In brief, we want to answer the following:
What is the kind of relationship between mothers who had PPD and their peripartum healthcare providers? In cases where mothers expected to have PPD, was it severe or less severe than expected?
Who: Women who have first-hand experience of Postpartum depression (PPD), who were 18 years old or older when giving birth to their first child, speak English as their primary language, not currently in prison or pregnant, and have experiences with a healthcare provider related to your Postpartum depression. PPD can be self-diagnosed or professionally diagnosed. Women who had/have other mental illness are NOT excluded from the study, but are encouraged to participate.
Contact: Alexandra Karpiak, alexandra.karpiak@scranton.edu, (203)6444891. Dr. Barbara Buxton, barbara.buxton@scranton.edu
Recruitment Until 4/30/2024
Mental Health Experiences During Pregnancy
This study involves an online survey designed to better understand issues related to mental health and well-being during pregnancy. We are currently recruiting individuals who have had a previous pregnancy. The previous pregnancy could have ended in a pregnancy loss experience or a live birth. First-time pregnancies are not eligible. If you are eligible, you will meet with a member of our research team via a virtual link (through Zoom.us) for a five-minute pre-survey screening prior to filling out the survey. If you decide to participate you will be asked to fill out questionnaires that are routinely used in clinical care and research with pregnant and postpartum individuals. Your participation in the project should take approximately 20-30 minutes.
Currently pregnant
Previously had a pregnancy loss OR previously had a live birth (first-time pregnancies are not eligible)
18+ years old
Live in the United States
Ability to read/write English
Contact: Juliana Restivo Haney, MPH email: perinatal.mental.health.wvu@gmail.com
Recruitment Flyer Located here
https://tinyurl.com/pregnancy-mental-health-study
Recruitment Until 7/1/2024
PEARS Study Recruitment
In the Perinatal Experiences & Assessment of Recovery from Suicidality (PEARS) study conducted at the George Washington University, we aim to better understand the emotional experiences, coping and resilience resources, and mental health intervention preferences of individuals with histories of perinatal suicidality. Our ultimate goal is to use this information to develop a new intervention to prevent perinatal suicidality.
Individuals are eligible to participate if they are 18 years or older, have experienced perinatal suicidality (e.g., suicidal thoughts, behaviors, attempts) within the past 6-36 months, and are fluent in English.
Participation consists of a 20-30 minute online survey. Individuals who complete the survey are also invited to participate in an individual interview with our research staff to share more details about their experiences. If they choose, participants may enter their email address into a drawing for a $25 Amazon gift card.
The survey is directly accessible at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/pearsstudy
Any questions from potential participants may be forwarded to our team via email at GWPEARSstudy@gmail.com.
Recruitment Flyer located here
Recruitment Ends 12/31/24
Why her business is our business: Female Psychotherapists’ experience working with the perinatal population
This study aims to research and understand female clinicians’ experiences working with
the perinatal population to understand how their beliefs, fears, and fantasies regarding
the pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood stages have or have not been impacted.
Participation in the study will involve the completion of a brief survey to confirm eligibility, completion of a demographic questionnaire and consent forms, and a 1-hour Zoom interview with the primary investigator.
- Licensed clinicians with experience with a perinatal client.
- If you don’t have kids, the timeframe of your client interactions is flexible.
- If you have kids, your perinatal client must have been seen a year before you became a parent.
- Assigned female at birth.
Contact Alexa to learn more, or express interest in the study: Alexa Garber at alexa.garber@my.liu.edu
Recruitment Ends 9/21/24
Center M Randomized Trial
Depression during pregnancy and postpartum is alarmingly common, and even more common among pregnant people who are underserved. Mental health is currently the leading driver of US maternal death. There is an urgent need for evidence-based treatments that address maternal mental health. Pregnant people self-identified as Black and/or Indigenous, those receiving or eligible for Medicaid insurance, and those in rural communities often experience barriers to accessing pregnancy-timed mental health support. Given the strong efficacy evidence base but clear access issues, attention now focuses on modifying Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy – Perinatal Depression (MBCT-PD) delivery to work in real world settings. The overarching goal of Center M is to develop a digital platform to improve access and outcomes for perinatal depression, especially for high risk, underserved pregnant people.
• 18-50 years of age
• Currently pregnant at or over 10 weeks of gestation
• Able to fluently understand, speak and read English
• Available, able and willing to attend online group sessions
• Willing and able to receive home practice materials on an accessible smartphone, tablet, or computer
• Residing in the US at time of consenting
Xaviera Martinez-Ziegenfuss, preventpostpartumd@ohsu.edu, 503-702-1622
Recruitment ends 8/12/24
Validation of the City Birth Trauma Scale
This is a validation study of the City Birth Trauma Scale (which assesses for postpartum PTSD symptoms) to evaluate its efficacy with Black mothers. In the original study, there was an overall lack of diversity, but especially with Black participants (2 out of the 950 identifying as Black). Given that there is research that suggests that PSTD symptoms can manifest differently within the Black community, the researchers believe it to be extremely important to understand if this current measure of postpartum PSTD would accurately assess those factors in Black women.
Cis-gendered women (assigned female at birth and identify with that sex), who: identify as Black/African American, are United States Citizens, are at least 18 years of age, have had a live birth within the previous 12 months, and do not know the researchers personally
Briana Roberts, broberts@ adler.edu; SydneDion Lampkin, slampkin@adler.edu; faculty sponsor: Dr. Marsha Vaughn, PhD, LMFT, mvaughn@adler.edu
Recruitment Ends: 5/27/24
Lived Experiences of Black Women in Pregnancy and Pregnancy Loss While Navigating the Health Care System
Seeking participants who are Black/African American who have experienced pregnancy loss and what their experience was like during pregnancy. Wanting to hear about their experiences with providers and healthcare staff along with the impact of loss
Black women age 18 and above who have experienced pregnancy loss and not currently pregnant
What is involved: Participants will be asked to participate in a 60-90 minute semi-structured interview.
Contact for more information: Alicia P Harris aharris8323@ucumberlands.edu
Recruitment Ends: 4/16/24
Postpartum experiences of women with a history of trauma and substance use
Did you have a baby in the last 5 years? Please join us in sharing your experiences of motherhood.
Participation includes: Questionnaire and 1 hour Zoom Interview
You qualify:
- Are you over the age of 18 years
- Had a baby in the last 5 years
- Experienced Trauma
- Struggle with substance abuse, but currently over.
Complete the survey to see if you qualify. $30 gift card upon completing of the interview and questionnaire if eligible to participate.
Contact: Dr. Agata Freedle; agatafreedle@umsl.edu
PSI Alma Program Pilot: Expanding A Peer Mentoring Program for Parents During the Perinatal Period Nationally with Postpartum Support International
FEELING DOWN OR OVERWHELMED?
Join a peer mentoring research study and get support.
- CONNECT WITH A PEER MENTOR
- ANSWER MOOD ASSESSMENT SURVEYS
- RECEIVE UP TO $85 IN GIFT CARDS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION
Developed by a collaborative team of researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder, mental health providers, community members, and parents, the Alma Program is an evidence-based peer mentoring program created with and for new parents experiencing depression, anxiety, and stress. This study investigates whether the Alma Program gives expectant parents the support and skills they need to navigate this new chapter in their lives. Participation lasts about 7 months.
Please click the link below to see if you are eligible.
https://redcap.link/alma-psi
For questions about the Alma Study, contact a member of our study team by texting (720) 593-1406 or emailing almaprogram@colorado.edu
Participating in Alma means being a part of a research study. (IRB 23-0470)
View Flyer for more information
Contact: For questions about the Alma Study, contact a member of our study team at (720) 593-1406 or almaprogram@colorado.edu
Recruitment Ends 5/31/24
Cultural Experiences of Perinatal Care
The aim of this study is to understand the barriers and facilitators to perinatal care for people with uteruses. This study acknowledges that the intersectionalities of each participant’s experience impact their perinatal care and perspective of that care. These identities and experiences should be honored. Additionally, this study aims to consider perinatal in more inclusive terms by using language such as “person with a uterus” rather than “women” or “mom”.
Participation is open to people with uteruses who have the biological means of getting pregnant and giving birth. You are eligible to participate in this study if: You are 18 years of age or older You are a person with a uterus. You have experienced any of the following: infertility, conception, pregnancy, miscarriage, childbirth, stillbirth, postpartum. View Flyer for more information.
Contact: Caitlin Senk, csenk@antioch.edu
Recruitment Ends 5/31/24