Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7989-9757

Semester

Spring

Date of Graduation

2024

Document Type

Problem/Project Report

Degree Type

OTD

College

School of Medicine

Department

Occupational Therapy

Committee Chair

SueAnn Woods

Committee Co-Chair

Camilla Haught

Committee Member

Heather Livengood

Committee Member

Kayleigh Nolan

Abstract

Motherhood requires a role transition, new maternal responsibilities, and changes in everyday life, which can impact the mother’s mental health, possibly leading to postpartum depression. Postpartum depression can, in turn, create additional challenges for the mother in engaging in her daily routines and occupations. Therefore, a peer support group for mothers at risk for postpartum depression was developed in hopes of improving the mothers’ management of routines, ultimately improving maternal mental health. The effectiveness of the peer support group was measured through quantitative and qualitative online self-report surveys, where the mothers reported their current mental health status, self-efficacy, and occupational engagement. After multiple rounds of recruitment, the implementation of the peer support group program, and the distribution of all surveys, a total of two participants were included in the study. The quantitative and qualitative data revealed that peer support groups focused on the routines of mothers and babies can positively impact mental health, maternal self-efficacy, and satisfaction in occupational performance. Challenges of the program included obstacles to participant attendance and participant follow-through with survey completion.

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