"Making Room": A Thematic Analysis Study of the Process of Postpartum Maternal Adjustment.

OBJECTIVES: Mothers are especially vulnerable to the onset or recurrence of psychological symptoms during the postpartum period. However, protective psychosocial factors may provide a stress buffering effect and promote a positive adjustment trajectory. Previous research has demonstrated the importance of positive maternal adjustment for maternal mental health and child outcome. However, research is needed that explores (1) the psychosocial components of maternal adjustment, (2) the process of maternal adjustment as subjectively experienced by mothers, and (3) clinical targets that can help postpartum healthcare teams to facilitate positive adjustment during the perinatal period. METHODS: This qualitative study utilized thematic analysis in order to understand the dimensions and properties of themes related to maternal adjustment. Through narrative interviews, this study investigated processes associated with maternal adjustment in a sample of n = 23 mothers receiving obstetric care. RESULTS: Thematic analysis uncovered three key developmental processes: (1) "Stretching Identity; Transitioning Roles", (2) "Navigating Stressors; Approaching Self-Efficacy", and (3) "Changing Relationships; Strengthening Support." Negative maternal self-attributions emerged as a key target for supportive intervention. Each process is complex and susceptible to both downward and upward spirals, consistent with the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotion. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Negative maternal attributions of self are discussed as a key target precipitating postpartum adjustment trajectories. Given this, parenting interventions that teach cognitive reappraisal or mindfulness strategies may be especially beneficial for mothers in the perinatal period.

The relationship between trait mindfulness and affective symptoms: A meta-analysis of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ).

Trait mindfulness appears to be related to lower levels of negative affective symptoms, but it remains uncertain which facets of mindfulness are most important in this relationship. Accordingly, the present meta-analysis examined studies reporting correlations between affective symptoms and trait mindfulness as assessed by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. A comprehensive search yielded 148 eligible studies, comprising 157 distinct samples and 44,075 participants. The weighted mean correlation for affective symptoms and overall trait mindfulness was r = -0.53. Among mindfulness facets, Nonjudge (r = -0.48) and Act with Awareness (r = -0.47) demonstrated the largest correlations, followed by Nonreact (r = -0.33) and Describe (r = -0.29). Observe was not significantly correlated with affective symptoms. No significant differences in the strength of correlations were found between anxiety, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, though symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder exhibited a weaker negative relationship with the Describe facet compared to PTSD symptoms. Describe also showed a stronger relationship with affective symptoms in Eastern samples compared to Western samples, whereas Western samples had a stronger relationship with Nonjudge. These results provide insight into the nature of the association between trait mindfulness and negative affect.

Combat Experience and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Military-Serving Parents: a Meta-Analytic Examination of Associated Offspring and Family Outcomes.

In this meta-analysis, we review findings on the relationships between parental combat exposure and PTSD/PTSS in military-serving families and (1) parenting problems, (2) family maladjustment, and (3) offspring problems. We systematically searched for studies in PsycInfo, PsychArticles, Psychology and Behavior Sciences Collection, Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress (PILOTS), and PubMed/Medline as well as conducted manual searches. Search procedures identified 22 eligible studies, including 20 studies examining relationships between parental PTSD/PTSS and parenting, family, and/or offspring outcomes and 8 studies examining relationships between parental combat exposure and parenting, family, and/or offspring outcomes. Random effects meta-analytic models estimated omnibus associations between parental combat exposure/PTSD and pooled Family Difficulties, as well as individual relationships between parental combat exposure and PTSD/PTSS and parenting, family adjustment, and offspring outcomes. Small-to-moderate effect sizes were observed in the omnibus meta-analysis examining relationships between parental PTSD/PTSS and pooled Family Difficulties, and in the meta-analysis examining relationships between parental PTSD/PTSS and parenting problems, between parental PTSD/PTSS and poor family functioning, and between parental PTSD/PTSS and offspring problems. Associations between parental combat exposure and pooled Family Difficulties, as well as between parental combat exposure and parenting problems were smaller in magnitude. PTSD/PTSS among military-serving parents is associated with increased problems in the family environment, including parenting problems, family maladjustment, and offspring problems, whereas combat exposure alone is not as strongly associated with such family difficulties. Moderator analyses are presented and discussed as well. When military-serving parents show psychological symptoms, professionals should consider allocating resources to target broader family issues.