Development and evaluation of a virtual postpartum psychosocial support program based upon acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

INTRODUCTION: Improving psychological adjustment and support among women in the postpartum period has great personal and public health significance, with the potential to improve quality of life and functioning for women, children, and families. Despite growing recognition of this need, availability and accessibility of specialized postpartum treatments remain limited, particularly in the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lack of in-person treatment options. This project sought to address this need through the development and evaluation of a postpartum psychosocial support program that is delivered in a virtual format.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the project was two-fold: (1) to develop a structured treatment manual for an innovative program, based upon principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and (2) to assess feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the program and the virtual delivery format through a pilot study of postpartum women.

METHODS: The program contained six virtual individual sessions and two surveys before and after participation to evaluate outcomes. The material contained in the six sessions was drawn from evidence-based ACT principles, such as values identification, acceptance, and emotion regulation. Women who were over 18 years old, within one year postpartum of a live birth, living in Pennsylvania, and did not have suicidal ideation, psychosis or substance use disorder, were eligible to participate.

RESULTS: Five postpartum women participated in the pilot intervention. The program was acceptable and feasible, with favorable feedback given by participants about the virtual format and content. Using the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, scores decreased from pre to post evaluations in 4 out of 5 participants.

CONCLUSION: This innovative model of care presents a novel intervention (ACT) in a unique format (virtual group), which has significant implications for practice in terms of the delivery of psychological services and the way in which telehealth can be used for group therapy in this population. Additional implications for practice will be discussed as the program review continues.