Acceptance-based process variables on postpartum well-being and distress: The mediating role of psychological flexibility
2024

Acceptance-based processes and postpartum well-being

Sample size: 266 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bonacquisti Alexa, Woodworth Emily C., Diaz Maria, Grunberg Victoria A.

Primary Institution: Department of Clinical Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Hypothesis

Do acceptance-based process variables explain variance in postpartum outcomes?

Conclusion

Targeting acceptance-based processes in interventions may help improve maternal, child, and family outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Women with more awareness reported better well-being.
  • Acceptance and cognitive defusion were linked to less emotional distress.
  • Psychological flexibility mediated the relationship between treatment engagement and well-being.

Takeaway

This study found that being aware, accepting feelings, and being flexible can help new moms feel better and less stressed.

Methodology

Postpartum women completed an online survey assessing well-being, emotional distress, and acceptance-based processes.

Potential Biases

Selection bias may have occurred due to recruitment through social media.

Limitations

The sample was predominantly White and higher income, limiting generalizability; the study design was cross-sectional, so causality cannot be assumed.

Participant Demographics

Most participants were White (96.24%), married (94%), and had a mean age of 32.6 years.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001

Confidence Interval

[2.69, 5.30]

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0312454

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication