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Can Positive Mindsets Be Protective Against Stress and Isolation Experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs of Perinatal Women

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  • Jacqueline A. Davis

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia)

  • Lisa Y. Gibson

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia)

  • Natasha L. Bear

    (Institute for Health Research, Notre Dame University, Fremantle, WA 6160, Australia)

  • Amy L. Finlay-Jones

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia)

  • Jeneva L. Ohan

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia)

  • Desiree T. Silva

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
    School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia)

  • Susan L. Prescott

    (Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
    School of Public Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia
    School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, WA 6027, Australia)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between emotional health and wellbeing and support needs of perinatal women during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to understand their experiences and need for support. This is a potentially vulnerable group and a critical developmental phase for women and infants. A mixed methods design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data that provided a robust insight into their unique needs. A total of 174 women who were either pregnant or post-birth participated. The main findings demonstrated that women in this cohort experienced varying levels of stress and isolation but also positive experiences. Exploring the relationship between mental health (perceived stress and wellbeing) and resilience (mindfulness and self-compassion) revealed an association between positive mental health and higher levels of mindfulness and self-compassion. Positive mindsets may be protective against psychological distress for the mother and her child, suggesting that meditation-based or similar training might help support expectant and post-birth mothers during times of crisis, such as a pandemic. This information could be used to make recommendations for future planning for practitioners and policymakers in preparing for prospective infection waves, pandemics, or natural disasters, and could be used to develop targeted tools, support, and care.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacqueline A. Davis & Lisa Y. Gibson & Natasha L. Bear & Amy L. Finlay-Jones & Jeneva L. Ohan & Desiree T. Silva & Susan L. Prescott, 2021. "Can Positive Mindsets Be Protective Against Stress and Isolation Experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Mixed Methods Approach to Understanding Emotional Health and Wellbeing Needs of Perinatal W," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:13:p:6958-:d:584598
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. H Manjula Bai, 2020. "The Socio-Economic Implications of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19): A Review," ComFin Research, Shanlax Journals, vol. 8(4), pages 8-17, October.
    2. Law, Kwok Hong & Jackson, Ben & Guelfi, Kym & Nguyen, Thinh & Dimmock, James Alexander, 2018. "Understanding and alleviating maternal postpartum distress: Perspectives from first-time mothers in Australia," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 204(C), pages 59-66.
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    Cited by:

    1. Susan Elizabeth Hannon & Déirdre Daly & Agnes Higgins, 2022. "Resilience in the Perinatal Period and Early Motherhood: A Principle-Based Concept Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(8), pages 1-29, April.

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