Skip to main content

Applying Positive Psychology to Prenatal Care Among Women from Different Cultures: A Web-Based Positive Psychology Intervention

  • Chapter
  • First Online:

Abstract

Pregnancy is a time of important changes and challenges for women. The nature, pervasiveness, and detrimental consequences of negative feelings during pregnancy have been extensively examined and documented within multicultural contexts. In the wake of Positive Psychology perspective, a growing number of studies have examined the potential benefits of positive aspects and protective factors that can influence the course of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as women’s perinatal and infant well-being. Although the importance of promoting well-being during the perinatal period has been demonstrated, research on Positive Psychology Interventions addressed to pregnant women is still in its infancy. The proposed chapter introduces the current knowledges about the benefits of positive factors on women perinatal and newborn well-being. Moreover, this chapter presents the current evidence about the use of Positive Psychology Interventions designed to improve women’s mental well-being during the perinatal period. Furthermore, the structure and rationale of a novel web-based Positive Psychological Intervention addressed to Spanish-, Italian-, German-, Dutch-, Portuguese-, and English- speaking pregnant women is presented. The intervention proposed is a modular, 5-weeks, self-guided program designed to foster pregnant women’s mental well-being. It consists of four modules of intervention, a page dedicated to pregnancy information, one welcome module, and a final resume page. Each module includes a brief psycho-education unit focused on a Positive Psychology dimension and a Positive Psychology Intervention. Furthermore, future actions and investigations are discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.

Buying options

Chapter
USD   29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD   84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD   109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Learn about institutional subscriptions

Notes

  1. 1.

    http://www.who.int/maternal_child_adolescent/documents/who_mps_0705/en/.

References

  • Adewuya, A. O., Ola, B. A., Aloba, O. O., & Mapayi, B. M. (2006). Anxiety disorders among Nigerian women in late pregnancy: A controlled study. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 9(6), 325–328.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Alvik, A., Heyerdahl, S., Haldorsen, T., & Lindemann, R. (2006). Alcohol use before and during pregnancy: A population-based study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 85(11), 1292–1298.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersen, C. E. (2015). A web-based intervention for postpartum depression. An assessment of user acceptability and information system evaluation (Master’s thesis). University of Oslo.

    Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, L., Sundström-Poromaa, I., Wulff, M., Åström, M., & Bixo, M. (2004). Implications of antenatal depression and anxiety for obstetric outcome. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 104(3), 467–476.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Andersson, L., Sundström-Poromaa, I., Wulff, M., Åström, M., & Bixo, M. (2006). Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and six months postpartum: A follow-up study. Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 85(8), 937–944.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ashford, M. T., Olander, E. K., & Ayers, S. (2016). Computer-or web-based interventions for perinatal mental health: A systematic review. Journal of Affective Disorders, 197, 134–146.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bolier, L., & Abello, K. M. (2014). Online positive psychological interventions: State of the art and future directions. In A. C. Parks & S. M. Schueller (Eds.), The Wiley Blackwell handbook of positive psychological interventions (pp. 286–309). Chichester, UK: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bolier, L., Haverman, M., Westerhof, G. J., Riper, H., Smit, F., & Bohlmeijer, E. (2013). Positive psychology interventions: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 119.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bonari, L., Bennett, H., Einarson, A., & Koren, G. (2004). Risks of untreated depression during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician, 50(1), 37–39.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Borri, C., Mauri, M., Oppo, A., Banti, S., Rambelli, C., Ramacciotti, D., et al. (2008). Axis I psychopathology and functional impairment at the third month of pregnancy: Results from the Perinatal Depression-Research and Screening Unit (PND-ReScU) study. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 69(10), 1617–1624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Buchanan, T., Johnson, J. A., & Goldberg, L. R. (2005). Implementing a five-factor personality inventory for use on the internet. European Journal of Psychological Assessment, 21(2), 115–127.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Carissoli, C., Villani, D., & Riva, G. (2016). An emerging model of pregnancy care: The introduction of new technologies in maternal wellbeing. In: D. Villani, P. Cipresso, A. Gaggioli, & G. Riva (Eds.), Integrating technology in positive psychology practice (pp. 162–192). IGI Global.

    Google Scholar 

  • Collins, N. L., Dunkel Schetter, C., Lobel, M., & Scrimshaw, S. C. (1993). Social support in pregnancy: Psychosocial correlates of birth outcomes and postpartum depression. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 65(6), 1243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corno, G., Etchemendy, E., Espinoza, M., Herrero, R., Molinari, G., Carrillo, A., et al. (2018). Effect of a web-based positive psychology intervention on prenatal well-being: A case series study. Women and Birth, 31(1), e1–e8.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corno, G., Espinoza, M., & Baños (in press) A narrative review of positive psychology interventions for women during the perinatal period. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dejin‐Karlsson, E., Hanson, B. S., Östergren, P. O., Lindgren, A., Sjöberg, N. O., & Marsal, K. (2000). Association of a lack of psychosocial resources and the risk of giving birth to small for gestational age infants: A stress hypothesis. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 107(1), 89–100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Delle Fave, A., Pozzo, M., Bassi, M., & Cetin, I. (2013). A longitudinal study on motherhood and well-being: Developmental and clinical implications. Terapia Psicologica, 1(1), 21–33.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • DiPietro, J. A., Ghera, M. M., Costigan, K., & Hawkins, M. (2004). Measuring the ups and downs of pregnancy stress. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 25(3–4), 189–201.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Drozd, F., Haga, S. M., Brendryen, H., & Slinning, K. (2015). An Internet-based intervention (Mamma Mia) for postpartum depression: Mapping the development from theory to practice. JMIR Research Protocols, 4(4), e120.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunkel Schetter, C. (2011). Psychological science on pregnancy: Stress processes, biopsychosocial models, and emerging research issues. Annual Review of Psychology, 62, 531–558.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dunkel Schetter, C., Sagrestano, L. M., Feldman, P., & Killingsworth, C. (1996). Social support and pregnancy. In G. R. Pierce, B. R. Sarason, & I. G. Sarason (Eds.), Handbook of social support and the family (pp. 375–412). US: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Entringer, S., Buss, C., Shirtcliff, E. A., Cammack, A. L., Yim, I. S., Chicz-DeMet, A., et al. (2010). Attenuation of maternal psychophysiological stress responses and the maternal cortisol awakening response over the course of human pregnancy. Stress, 13(3), 258–268.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, P. J., Dunkel Schetter, C., Sandman, C. A., & Wadhwa, P. D. (2000). Maternal social support predicts birth weight and fetal growth in human pregnancy. Psychosomatic Medicine, 62(5), 715–725.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fisk, N. M., & Glover, V. (1999). Association between maternal anxiety in pregnancy and increased uterine artery resistance index: Cohort based study. BMJ, 318(7177), 153–157.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (1998). What good are positive emotions? Review of General Psychology, 2(3), 300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson, B. L. (2009). Positivity. Harmony Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Giardinelli, L., Innocenti, A., Benni, L., Stefanini, M. C., Lino, G., Lunardi, C., et al. (2012). Depression and anxiety in perinatal period: Prevalence and risk factors in an Italian sample. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 15(1), 21–30.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giurgescu, C., Penckofer, S., Maurer, M. C., & Bryant, F. B. (2006). Impact of uncertainty, social support, and prenatal coping on the psychological well-being of high-risk pregnant women. Nursing Research, 55(5), 356–365.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, S. H., Brogan, D., Lynch, M. E., & Fielding, B. (1993). Social and emotional competence in children of depressed mothers. Child Development, 64(2), 516–531.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodman, J. H., Guarino, A., Chenausky, K., Klein, L., Prager, J., Petersen, R., et al. (2014). CALM Pregnancy: Results of a pilot study of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for perinatal anxiety. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 17(5), 373–387.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goodwin, R. D., Keyes, K., & Simuro, N. (2007). Mental disorders and nicotine dependence among pregnant women in the United States. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 109(4), 875–883.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grote, N. K., & Bledsoe, S. E. (2007). Predicting postpartum depressive symptoms in new mothers: The role of optimism and stress frequency during pregnancy. Health and Social Work, 32(2), 107–118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haga, S. M., Drozd, F., Brendryen, H., & Slinning, K. (2013). Mamma mia: A feasibility study of a web-based intervention to reduce the risk of postpartum depression and enhance subjective well-being. JMIR Research Protocols, 2(2).

    Google Scholar 

  • Hedegaard, M., Henriksen, T. B., Secher, N. J., Hatch, M. C., & Sabroe, S. (1996). Do stressful life events affect duration of gestation and risk of preterm delivery? Epidemiology, 7(4), 339–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heron, J., O’Connor, T. G., Evans, J., Golding, J., Glover, V., & ALSPAC Study Team. (2004). The course of anxiety and depression through pregnancy and the postpartum in a community sample. Journal of Affective Disorders, 80(1), 65–73.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huizink, A. C., Robles de Medina, P. G., Mulder, E. J., Visser, G. H., & Buitelaar, J. K. (2003). Stress during pregnancy is associated with developmental outcome in infancy. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44(6), 810–818.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • International Telecommunication Union. (2017). ICT facts and figures 2017. https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/facts/ICTFactsFigures2017.pdf.

  • Lancaster, C. A., Gold, K. J., Flynn, H. A., Yoo, H., Marcus, S. M., & Davis, M. M. (2010). Risk factors for depressive symptoms during pregnancy: A systematic review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 202(1), 5–14.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Layous, K., Nelson, S. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2013). What is the optimal way to deliver a positive activity intervention? The case of writing about one’s best possible selves. Journal of Happiness Studies, 14(2), 635–654.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, E. W., Denison, F. C., Hor, K., & Reynolds, R. M. (2016). Web-based interventions for prevention and treatment of perinatal mood disorders: A systematic review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 16(1), 38.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee Duckworth, A., Steen, T. A., & Seligman, M. E. (2005). Positive psychology in clinical practice. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1, 629–651.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee, A. M., Lam, S. K., Lau, S. M. S. M., Chong, C. S. Y., Chui, H. W., & Fong, D. Y. T. (2007). Prevalence, course, and risk factors for antenatal anxiety and depression. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 110(5), 1102–1112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lobel, M., Yali, A. M., Zhu, W., DeVincent, C., & Meyer, B. (2002). Beneficial associations between optimistic disposition and emotional distress in high-risk pregnancy. Psychology and Health, 17(1), 77–95.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., Dickerhoof, R., Boehm, J. K., & Sheldon, K. M. (2011). Becoming happier takes both a will and a proper way: An experimental longitudinal intervention to boost well-being. Emotion, 11(2), 391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., & Layous, K. (2013). How do simple positive activities increase well-being? Current Directions in Psychological Science, 22(1), 57–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matvienko-Sikar, K., & Dockray, S. (2017). Effects of a novel positive psychological intervention on prenatal stress and well-being: A pilot randomised controlled trial. Women and Birth, 30(2), e111–e118.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Matvienko-Sikar, K., Lee, L., Murphy, G., & Murphy, L. (2016). The effects of mindfulness interventions on prenatal well-being: A systematic review. Psychology & Health, 31(12), 1415–1434.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • McManus, M. A., Khalessi, A. A., Lin, J., Ashraf, J., & Reich, S. M. (2017). Positive feelings during pregnancy, early feeding practices, and infant health. Pediatrics International, 59(5), 593–599.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, J., Vella-Brodrick, D., & Klein, B. (2010). Positive psychology and the internet: A mental health opportunity. E-Journal of Applied Psychology, 6(2), 30–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oakley, A., Hickey, D., Rajan, L., & Rigby, A. S. (1996). Social support in pregnancy: Does it have long-term effects? Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, 14(1), 7–22.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • O’Leary, K. (2015). The effect of positive psychological interventions on psychological and physical well-being during pregnancy (DClinPsych thesis).University College Cork.

    Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, L. M., & Monk, C. (2013). Perinatal depression—The fourth inflammatory morbidity of pregnancy? Theory and literature review. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 38(10), 1929–1952.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, C. (2006). A primer in positive psychology. Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pluess, M., Wurmser, H., Buske-Kirschbaum, A., Papousek, M., Pirke, K. M., Hellhammer, D., et al. (2012). Positive life events predict salivary cortisol in pregnant women. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(8), 1336–1340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pryor, J. E., Thompson, J. M. D., Robinson, E., Clark, P. M., Becroft, D. M. O., Pattison, N. S., et al. (2003). Stress and lack of social support as risk factors for small-for-gestational-age birth. Acta Paediatrica, 92(1), 62–64.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, A. D., Moore, C. F., DeJesus, O. T., Barnhart, T. E., Larson, J. A., Mukherjee, J., et al. (2004). Prenatal stress, moderate fetal alcohol, and dopamine system function in rhesus monkeys. Neurotoxicology and Teratology, 26(2), 169–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Robertson, E., Grace, S., Wallington, T., & Stewart, D. E. (2004). Antenatal risk factors for postpartum depression: A synthesis of recent literature. General Hospital Psychiatry, 26(4), 289–295.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Schueller, S. M., & Parks, A. C. (2014). The science of self-help. European Psychologist, 19(2), 145–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Seligman, M. E., Rashid, T., & Parks, A. C. (2006). Positive psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 61(8), 774.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sheldon, K. M., Boehm, J. K., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2012). Variety is the spice of happiness: The hedonic adaptation prevention (HAP) model. In I. Boniwell & S. David (Eds.), Oxford handbook of happiness (pp. 901–9149). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sin, N. L., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2009). Enhancing well-being and alleviating depressive symptoms with positive psychology interventions: A practice-friendly meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(5), 467–487.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stice, E., Ragan, J., & Randall, P. (2004). Prospective relations between social support and depression: Differential direction of effects for parent and peer support? Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 113(1), 155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sutter-Dallay, A. L., Giaconne-Marcesche, V., Glatigny-Dallay, E., & Verdoux, H. (2004). Women with anxiety disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of intense postnatal depressive symptoms: A prospective survey of the MATQUID cohort. European Psychiatry, 19(8), 459–463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Swallow, B. L., Lindow, S. W., Masson, E. A., & Hay, D. M. (2004). Psychological health in early pregnancy: Relationship with nausea and vomiting. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 24(1), 28–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tugade, M. M., & Fredrickson, B. L. (2004). Resilient individuals use positive emotions to bounce back from negative emotional experiences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 86(2), 320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verreault, N., Da Costa, D., Marchand, A., IIreland, K., Dritsa, M., & Khalife, S. (2014). Rates and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms during pregnancy and with postpartum onset. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 35, 84–91.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Voellmin, A., Entringer, S., Moog, N., Wadhwa, P. D., & Buss, C. (2013). Maternal positive affect over the course of pregnancy is associated with the length of gestation and reduced risk of preterm delivery. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 75(4), 336–340.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Williams, M., & Penman, D. (2011). Mindfulness: A practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world. UK: Hachette.

    Google Scholar 

  • World Health Organization. (2016). WHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience. World Health Organization.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Giulia Corno .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Corno, G. et al. (2019). Applying Positive Psychology to Prenatal Care Among Women from Different Cultures: A Web-Based Positive Psychology Intervention. In: Van Zyl, L., Rothmann Sr., S. (eds) Evidence-Based Positive Psychological Interventions in Multi-Cultural Contexts. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-20311-5_12

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics