Perinatal compassion focused therapy for mothers with mental health difficulties: a mixed methods study of its potential benefits

Up to 20% of women experience mental health problems (MHPs) during the perinatal period (Centre for Mental Health, 2014), which impact the mother and her infant; many of the negative child outcomes, such as emotion dysregulation, are mediated by the impact of perinatal MHPs on the mother-infant relationship (Stein et al., 2014; Bauer et al., 2014). Compassion-Focussed Therapy (CFT) is an increasingly popular psychotherapeutic intervention (MacBeth & Gumley, 2012; Kirby et al., 2017), with a growing evidence base in various clinical groups (e.g., depression and anxiety, Noorbala et al., 2013) and which may benefit women with perinatal MHPs. Recent reviews underline the need for further evidence to confirm its effectiveness in clinical groups (Craig et al., 2020).

A perinatal CFT group-based intervention (P-CFT; Cree, 2000; 2015) specifically targeting the mother-infant-bond exists. However, to date, no studies have examined the effectiveness of CFT for women with PMHPs. Thus, there is a pressing need for research evaluating its effectiveness.

This mixed methods project with five interlinked studies will examine the perceived and observed benefits of perinatal CFT on mental health and the mother-infant-relationship in women with perinatal MHPs accessing the perinatal psychology services in Manchester. With Patient and Public Involvement (PPI), the PhD student will use a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, such as case series and/or repertory grid technique, thematic framework analysis and a trial design, to gain an in-depth understanding of the impact of perinatal CFT on the mother's mental health and her baby's well-being. Of particular interest will be any improvements in self-soothing and emotion regulation. With perinatal CFT's focus on the mother-infant-relationship, the impact of the intervention on changes in the interaction between the mother and her baby will also be a particular focus and include the coding of video-recordings.

In accordance with the MRC framework for the development of complex interventions, this PhD will form the necessary groundwork for a future trial. This novel research area will make a substantial theoretical and clinically relevant contribution to understanding the mechanisms underpinning compassion and mental health with the perinatal field.