Research study exploring how PP affects partners' relationships

Rachel Jack, Trainee Clinical Psychologist at Teeside University,  is looking at how  Postpartum Psychosis affects partners’ relationships with mother and baby.

Rachel says: "There is a growing body of evidence showing the effect of postnatal psychosis on mothers, however there is only limited research regarding the impact on partners and particularly the impact on their relationships.

In order to consider relationships following maternal mental health, the current research believes they should be viewed as more than a mother-child relationship, and instead include the partner as part of a mother-partner-child relationship. It is suggested that partner’s report a shift in their role and a change in parenting styles following postnatal psychosis. Additionally, it is thought that perhaps children may also be impacted in some way, posing an important role for partners at this time. There is, however, a lack of understanding on how partners’ relationships with mother and baby may be affected or impacted.

This study therefore aims to explore how postnatal psychosis affects partners’ relationships with mother and baby. I am looking to recruit partners of mothers who have experienced postnatal psychosis within the last 10 years. The study involves a telephone discussion, at a time convenient to you, lasting approximately an hour. If you are interested in taking part, please email me on T7127956@live.tees.ac.uk and I can send you out some more information."

You can also view the poster for more information here.