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Zhang X, Li Y, Wang J, Mao F, Wu L, Huang Y, Sun J, Cao F. Effectiveness of Digital Guided Self-help Mindfulness Training During Pregnancy on Maternal Psychological Distress and Infant Neuropsychological Development: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e41298. [DOI: 3.doi: 10.2196/41298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Background
Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with unfavorable outcomes in infants. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can effectively alleviate psychological distress, but there are often barriers to the access of face-to-face interventions.
Objective
This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a digital guided self-help (GSH) MBI (GSH-MBI) in reducing maternal psychological distress and improving infant neuropsychological performance.
Methods
This was a randomized controlled trial. We recruited 160 women who were 12 to 20 weeks pregnant and exhibited psychological distress. We randomized them into a digital GSH-MBI group and a control group (usual perinatal care). The digital GSH-MBI consisted of a 6-week intervention through a WeChat mini program, with a daily reminder sent to the participants by a research assistant via WeChat. The primary outcomes consisted of maternal psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms, which were assessed at 6 time points from baseline to 6 months post partum (only pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms were assessed 3 times during pregnancy). The secondary outcomes were infant neuropsychological outcomes, including temperament and developmental behaviors, which were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months post partum.
Results
Compared with the control group, the digital GSH-MBI group showed a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms. In addition, the scores of the digital GSH-MBI group were lower than those of the control group for the 3 types of infant temperament at 6 weeks post partum, including quality of mood, distractibility, and adaptability.
Conclusions
Digital GSH-MBIs are effective in alleviating psychological distress among pregnant women and protecting infant outcomes.
Trial Registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2000040717; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=65376
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Zhang X, Li Y, Wang J, Mao F, Wu L, Huang Y, Sun J, Cao F. Effectiveness of Digital Guided Self-help Mindfulness Training During Pregnancy on Maternal Psychological Distress and Infant Neuropsychological Development: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e41298. [PMID: 36763452 PMCID: PMC9960047 DOI: 10.2196/41298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal psychological distress during pregnancy is associated with unfavorable outcomes in infants. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) can effectively alleviate psychological distress, but there are often barriers to the access of face-to-face interventions. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a digital guided self-help (GSH) MBI (GSH-MBI) in reducing maternal psychological distress and improving infant neuropsychological performance. METHODS This was a randomized controlled trial. We recruited 160 women who were 12 to 20 weeks pregnant and exhibited psychological distress. We randomized them into a digital GSH-MBI group and a control group (usual perinatal care). The digital GSH-MBI consisted of a 6-week intervention through a WeChat mini program, with a daily reminder sent to the participants by a research assistant via WeChat. The primary outcomes consisted of maternal psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms, which were assessed at 6 time points from baseline to 6 months post partum (only pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms were assessed 3 times during pregnancy). The secondary outcomes were infant neuropsychological outcomes, including temperament and developmental behaviors, which were assessed at 6 weeks and 6 months post partum. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the digital GSH-MBI group showed a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and pregnancy-related anxiety symptoms. In addition, the scores of the digital GSH-MBI group were lower than those of the control group for the 3 types of infant temperament at 6 weeks post partum, including quality of mood, distractibility, and adaptability. CONCLUSIONS Digital GSH-MBIs are effective in alleviating psychological distress among pregnant women and protecting infant outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Register ChiCTR2000040717; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=65376.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yang Li
- Austin School of Nursing, The University of Texas, Texas, TX, United States
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangxiang Mao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Liuliu Wu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yongqi Huang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiwei Sun
- Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fenglin Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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Crenshaw AO, Whitfield KM, Collins A, Valela R, Varma S, Landy MSH, Ip J, Donkin V, Earle E, Siegel A, Samonas C, Bushe J, Mensah DH, Xiang A, Doss BD, Morland L, Wagner AC, Fitzpatrick S, Monson CM. Partner outcomes from an uncontrolled trial of Couple HOPES: A guided online couple intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder and relationship enhancement. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:230-238. [PMID: 36116104 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with significant individual and relationship impairment for people with PTSD and their romantic partners. Conjoint treatments, such as cognitive behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD (CBCT), are designed to address individual and relationship factors, yet significant barriers impede accessing in-person therapy. Couple HOPES (i.e., Helping Overcome PTSD and Enhance Satisfaction) is a coach-guided, online couple intervention for PTSD based on CBCT that was designed to address these barriers. Previous investigations have found preliminary efficacy of Couple HOPES for improving PTSD symptoms, relationship functioning, and some individual functioning domains for the partner with probable PTSD. However, no study to date has tested individual outcomes for romantic partners, which is needed to fully evaluate the intervention's promise. The current study tested these partner outcomes in a combined, uncontrolled sample of 27 couples. Intent-to-intervene analyses found significant improvements at postintervention in four of eight tested outcomes, including ineffective arguing, g = 0.74; anger, g = 0.32; perceived health, g = 0.67; and quality of life, g = 0.56. Depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, alcohol misuse, and work functioning did not significantly change, gs = 0.17-0.42. Among participants who completed a 1-month follow-up assessment, generalized anxiety, g = 0.43, and perceived health, g = 0.73, significantly improved over follow-up, whereas anger, g = -0.48, lost gains previously made. Results were largely consistent in the completer sample. These findings show the potential of Couple HOPES to have broad benefits not only for individuals with probable PTSD but also for their romantic partners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexis Collins
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Valela
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sonya Varma
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Meredith S H Landy
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.,MindBeacon, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jennifer Ip
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Victoria Donkin
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada.,MindBeacon, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Ashley Siegel
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Christina Samonas
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Julianne Bushe
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Angela Xiang
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Brian D Doss
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Leslie Morland
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Anne C Wagner
- Remedy, 703 Bloor St. W, #201, Toronto, ON, M6G 1L5, Canada
| | | | - Candice M Monson
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada
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Fitzpatrick S, Wagner AC, Crenshaw AO, Varma S, Whitfield KM, Valela R, Di Bartolomeo AA, Fulham L, Martin-Newnham C, Mensah DH, Collins A, Landy MS, Morland L, Doss BD, Monson CM. Initial outcomes of couple HOPES: A guided online couple intervention for PTSD and relationship enhancement. Internet Interv 2021; 25:100423. [PMID: 34401382 PMCID: PMC8350611 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2021.100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Couple HOPES (Helping Overcome PTSD and Enhance Satisfaction) is a guided, online couple intervention adapted from Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It was created to overcome a range of barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments for PTSD and the intimate relationship problems associated with it. This manuscript describes initial outcomes of the intervention in a series of 10 couples. Participants were military, veteran and first responders with probable PTSD and their intimate partners. Couples completed the program and measurements of PTSD, relationship satisfaction, and secondary outcomes at pre-, mid-, and post-intervention. Mean satisfaction for the program was high and it was completed by seven of ten couples. Participants with PTSD evidenced significant and large pre- to post-intervention effect size improvements in PTSD symptoms (g = 0.80) and perceived health (g = 1.13). They also exhibited non-significant but medium effect size pre- to post-intervention improvements in quality of life (g = 0.62), and depression (g = 0.53), and small effect size pre- to post-intervention improvements in argumentativeness (g = 0.43), anger (g = 0.31), and anxiety (g = 0.31). Partners reported significant and moderate pre- to post-intervention effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction (g = 0.68), and medium but not significant effect size improvements in accommodation of PTSD (g = 0.56). Results provide initial support for the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of Couple HOPES for improving PTSD and relationship satisfaction. However, more testing in larger samples, including with randomized controlled designs, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skye Fitzpatrick
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada,Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Anne C. Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada,Remedy, 703 Bloor St. W, #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5, Canada
| | - Alexander O. Crenshaw
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Sonya Varma
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Kristen M. Whitfield
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Robert Valela
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | | | - Lindsay Fulham
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Cait Martin-Newnham
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Desiree H. Mensah
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Alexis Collins
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Meredith S.H. Landy
- Remedy, 703 Bloor St. W, #201, Toronto, ON M6G 1L5, Canada,MindBeacon, 175 Bloor St. E., Toronto, ON M4W 358, Canada
| | - Leslie Morland
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA and University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 3350 La Jolla Village Dr., San Diego, CA 92161, United States of America
| | - Brian D. Doss
- University of Miami, 1320 S Dixie Hwy, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, United States of America
| | - Candice M. Monson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria St., Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada
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Trottier K, Monson CM, Kaysen D, Wagner AC, Pun C, Abbey SE. Development of RESTORE: an online intervention to improve mental health symptoms associated with COVID-19-related traumatic and extreme stressors. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021; 12:1984049. [PMID: 34745446 PMCID: PMC8567930 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1984049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frontline healthcare workers, recovered COVID+ patients who had severe illness, and close others of COVID+ patients who have recovered or died are at risk for clinical levels of mental health symptoms in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. RESTORE (Recovering from Extreme Stressors Through Online Resources and E-health) was specifically designed for this context. RESTORE is a transdiagnostic guided online intervention adapted from evidence-based cognitive-behavioural therapies. OBJECTIVES RESTORE was designed to address depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms associated with exposure to COVID-19-related traumatic and extreme stressors, and to overcome multiple barriers to accessing psychotherapies. METHOD This paper describes the intervention components and platform, as well as the principles used to develop RESTORE. Current research and future directions in developing and testing RESTORE are outlined. RESULTS Preliminary data from an initial uncontrolled trial evaluating RESTORE in frontline healthcare workers is highly promising. CONCLUSION We believe RESTORE has great potential to provide accessible, evidence-based psychological intervention to those in great need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Trottier
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Candice M Monson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Debra Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anne C Wagner
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Remedy, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Susan E Abbey
- Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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