Abstract
This study utilizes video feedback to improve maternal parenting behavior in clinically depressed mothers admitted to a perinatal
inpatient psychiatric unit. Depressed mothers (n = 74) were randomized to “video” (n = 25), “verbal” (n = 26), or “standard care” (n = 23). “Video” mothers were taped playing with their infant; interaction was reviewed with a mental health specialist. “Verbal”
mothers only discussed interaction with their infant. “Standard care” mothers received only routine inpatient care. Mothers
were assessed for mental health status, perceptions of baby behavior, and parenting competence. There was significant improvement
in mental health status of all participants, regardless of intervention. Neither intervention had an advantage, compared to
standard care, in improving parenting confidence or perceptions of infant behavior. Video mothers were more likely to report
no change in their parenting confidence the more feedback sessions completed. The number of intervention sessions for each
participant was limited by the duration of their inpatient admission. Most participants were on simultaneous pharmacotherapy
and psychotherapy, as well as receiving intensive mothercraft assistance; this may have influenced intervention effectiveness.
Results suggest that this type of intervention may be beneficial, but in the current format does not add sufficiently to standard
care to be detected by the measures used.
inpatient psychiatric unit. Depressed mothers (n = 74) were randomized to “video” (n = 25), “verbal” (n = 26), or “standard care” (n = 23). “Video” mothers were taped playing with their infant; interaction was reviewed with a mental health specialist. “Verbal”
mothers only discussed interaction with their infant. “Standard care” mothers received only routine inpatient care. Mothers
were assessed for mental health status, perceptions of baby behavior, and parenting competence. There was significant improvement
in mental health status of all participants, regardless of intervention. Neither intervention had an advantage, compared to
standard care, in improving parenting confidence or perceptions of infant behavior. Video mothers were more likely to report
no change in their parenting confidence the more feedback sessions completed. The number of intervention sessions for each
participant was limited by the duration of their inpatient admission. Most participants were on simultaneous pharmacotherapy
and psychotherapy, as well as receiving intensive mothercraft assistance; this may have influenced intervention effectiveness.
Results suggest that this type of intervention may be beneficial, but in the current format does not add sufficiently to standard
care to be detected by the measures used.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s00737-012-0283-1
- Authors
- Justin L. C. Bilszta, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne and Austin Health, West Heidelberg, Australia
- Anne E. Buist, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Austin Health, and Northpark, West Heidelberg, Australia
- Fandy Wang, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Nur Rusydina Zulkefli, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Journal Archives of Women’s Mental Health
- Online ISSN 1435-1102
- Print ISSN 1434-1816