Emotional Processing in Childbirth (EPIC): An enquiry into the relationship between emotional processing and postnatal depression in childbearing women

Authors: Wilkins, C.

Conference: International Confedertion of Midwives 28th Triennial Congress. Midwifery: A Worldwide Commitment to Women and the Newborn

Dates: 1-5 June 2008

Abstract:

Background: The impact of perinatal depression is a major public health concern. Attempts have been made to develop predictive indices that will aid the identification of women at risk of developing depression. Meta-analyses, however, show lack of consensus regarding risk factors.

Aims and Objectives: This ethically approved longditudinal study, which began in 2006, investigates the relationship between a previously unconsidered, but possible risk factor for perinatal depression, emotional processing, and explores the predictive quality of impaired processing as an indicator of possible depression. Emotional processing describes the way a person manages experiences so that they do not intrude on the maintenance of their everyday lives. This management can be measured using the Emotional Processing Scale (EPS), a valdated 25-item, 5 factor, self report questionnaire. Studies using the EPS have identified relationships between inmpaired emotional processing and the experience of a number of psychological and physical conditions.

Method: 550 women recruited in antenatal clinic at 12 weeks are being asked to complete a questionnaire which includes the EPS, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, The Short Form-36 (SF-36) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). The sample size was determined by power calculations. Similar questionnaires are being sent to the cohort at 34 weeks antenatallly and 6 weeks postnatally. Using SPSS descriptive statistics are being produced and the data examined for correlations, means and differences to identify relationships between outcome measures.

Results: Preliminary findings from the anlysis of completed data sets will be presented.

Conclusions: The EPS is an internationally validated tool. These will be the first results of use in a childbearing population and may facilitate the development of strategies to manage perinatal emotions, thus lessening the impact of these distressing symptoms on the lives of women, babies and families.

Source: Manual

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