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Parenting Skills Group for Mothers With Postpartum Depression

Effects of Attachment-Focused Parenting Intervention on Postpartum Depression and Biological Markers of Stress in Mothers and Their Infants

Who can join

As published by the study on ClinicalTrials.gov. "Not stated" means the study hasn't said — ask the study team.

Age
18 Years to 50 Years
Sex
Female only
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
Compensation
Not stated

Other requirements are listed under Eligibility below. Only the study team can confirm whether you can join.

What to expect

No one can promise a trial will help you personally — that is what the research is trying to find out.

What participation involves

  • Time periods mentioned: 8 weeks
  • Procedures mentioned: Questionnaires

Only what the study's summary and detailed description on ClinicalTrials.gov say. Time periods may describe the whole study or a part of it — ask the study team what applies to you.

Show the study's own words
  • "The COSP program lasts for 8 weeks and will be delivered via Zoom."
  • "Researchers will collect a variety of data including biological samples, self-report questionnaires, developmental assessment, and direct observation to assess predictors and outcomes relating to participation in the COSP program."
Compensation
Not stated
  • Study-related exams and procedures are typically provided at no cost. This is how many trials work in general — confirm the details for this study with the study team.
  • Participants are monitored closely by the research team throughout the study.
  • Some participants may receive access to an investigational treatment, which is still being studied.
  • Your participation helps researchers learn whether this approach could help future patients.

About this study

In plain language

This study tests an 8-week parenting skills group held on Zoom for mothers with or without depression after giving birth. Researchers will study changes in mothers’ depression, the mother-baby bond, babies’ social behavior, and chemical marks on DNA in mothers and babies. The group does not replace professional mental health care.

The goal of this longitudinal study is to study the effects of a parenting skills group (Circle of Security Parenting, aka COSP) in mothers with postpartum depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will changes in methylation of the OXTR rs53576 be apparent in mother and/or infant after having gone through the 8-week COSP program? * Will COSP participation be associated with improved symptoms of postpartum depression (over and above standard care), attachment style, and relational characteristics of the mother-infant dyad? * Will COSP participation be associated with changes in social behavior in the infant, and if so, do they persist throughout childhood? Participants will * Participate in an 8-week COSP program delivered remotely via Zoom. * Provide buccal swabs (mother and infant) to assess changes in methylation of OXTR rs53576 pre- versus post-intervention. * Complete a series of assessment questionnaires delivered remotely. * Videotape a play-based assessment in their home. * Receive infant developmental testing Researchers will compare characteristics of waitlist controls to those participating in the COSP program at the mid-way point of the program to see if the two groups differ.

Compensation is read from the study's own description and may be missing — always confirm with the study team.

Eligibility

Who can join

  • Mothers ages 18–50 with babies ages 3–14 months.
  • Mothers with or without depression symptoms may join.
  • Mothers with active depression must be in treatment with a qualified health care provider before joining. Those not in treatment will be referred for care.

Who can't join

  • Mothers with severe mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality disorders.
  • Babies with major health problems that may keep their mothers from taking part in or benefiting from the group.

Simplified for readability. The official criteria below are what the study team uses.

Official eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Mothers aged 18-50 years old with infants aged 3-14 months old * Mothers who are experiencing symptoms of depression and mothers who are not experiencing symptoms of depression (non-depressed controls) are encouraged to participate. (please note that mothers who are experiencing active depression and who are not already being treated under the care of a qualified healthcare provider (i.e. through therapy or psychopharmacological intervention) will be referred for such treatment prior to being enrolled in the study. This study is not a replacement for professional management of depression or other mental health symptoms. Exclusion Criteria: * Mothers with severe psychopathology (such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, among others) * Infants with major medical problems that may interfere with a mother's ability to participate in and benefit from the intervention

Study sites (1)

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