Preventing Postpartum Depression Via an Online, Self-study Approach for Couples at Elevated Risk

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects about 12% of women and is a strong risk factor for paternal PPD, which affects about 9% of men. The negative consequences of untreated parental PPD for infants’ wellbeing persist through childhood and adolescence and include a range of mental health, relational and cognitive problems. Most existing effective preventative strategies for PPD consist of multiple in-person sessions and are limited in its accessibility for low-income and rural populations, who are at much higher risk of PPD. Further, new fathers are either rarely included in such services or only engaged as a source of support for mothers. Thus, effective, and accessible prevention programs that attend to both expectant mothers and fathers are in great need, especially among those with elevated risk of PPD. The two leading risk factors for PPD are mental health vulnerability (i.e., the history of depression, presence of depressive symptoms during pregnancy) and interparental distress.

Yunying (Annie) Le, PhD, Research Assistant Professor in the department of Psychology at the University of Denver, is attempting to address this gap with an important study. Her project has two research aims.

1.       Adapting the online, self-study version of the Family Foundations (FF) for couples at elevated risk of PPD. FF is a universal prevention program aimed at enhancing co-parenting support among couples expecting a first child. FF has been delivered through three different formats, including an online, self-study version (eFF). To make it more relevant to couples at elevated risk, she will incorporate evidence-based depression-specific content (e.g., mood management, cognitions, social support) and couple relationship education and skills in the adapted program (eFF-PPD).

2.       Pilot Testing. She will recruit up to 20 first time expectant couples to evaluate acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes of eFF-PPD.

      Their approach is innovative in that it will be the first online program that targets both expectant mothers and fathers during this critical time. The online, self-study nature of the program allows couples to participate at a time and a place that’s convenient for them. It will reduce many of the logistic barriers (e.g., scheduling difficulties, transportation, cost) and may be especially well-suited for new parents who are juggling many things. The increased accessibility will also allow us to reach low-income and rural populations who are not only at elevated risk but also often encounter more barriers accessing this type of services. Taken together, this project seeks to improve family relationships with an innovative and systemic approach, based on an existing evidence-based program, and has the potential to reduce large health disparities.