Postpartum Psychosis: the Role of Psychosocial Factors and the Experience of Fertility Decision-Making

Arkle, Philippa

Abstract

This thesis portfolio comprises three parts:
Part One: Systematic Literature Review
The systematic literature review explored the role of psychosocial factors in women’s experiences of postpartum psychosis (PP) using qualitative research. A thematic synthesis of the eight identified papers generated one overarching theme (Misogyny and Motherhood), which connected to six further analytical themes: Perinatal-specific Stress, Trauma and Stressful Life Events, Social Support, Legal Factors, Economic Factors, and Culture, Religion, and Spirituality. Findings demonstrate the extensive role of psychosocial factors across women’s experiences of PP and indicate the need for continued psychosocial engagement in future research and clinical practice.
Part Two: Empirical Paper
The empirical paper explored women's experiences of fertility decision-making after an experience of first-onset PP. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with nine women were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Six Group Experiential Themes, associated with twelve subthemes, were identified: Decision-making as “a bit of a process”, Fear of recurrence, Desire to have more children, Grief, Support needs, and Accepting the decision. Findings represent the complex, emotional, and deeply personal nature of fertility decision-making after first-onset PP and indicate the need for specialist, psychologically-informed preconception support.
Part Three comprises the Appendices
The appendices contain supporting information to the systematic literature review and empirical paper, including reflective and epistemological statements.

Citation

Arkle, P. (2024). Postpartum Psychosis: the Role of Psychosocial Factors and the Experience of Fertility Decision-Making. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4920462

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 18, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 19, 2024
• Keywords: Clinical psychology
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4920462
• Additional Information: Clinical Psychology; School of Psychology and Social Work; University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 26, 2024