Prenatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic Study

We are currently looking for pregnant women in their third trimester to participate in an online study on prenatal mental health and infant temperament during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between prenatal mental health and infant temperament at two months postpartum. If you choose to participate in this study, you will be asked to complete surveys during your third trimester about your psychological well-being. At two months postpartum, you will be asked to complete follow-up questions about your infant’s temperament and be recorded interacting with your baby over Zoom. There is also an elective portion to the study that involves collecting a small hair sample during your pregnancy. This hair sample would be analyzed for a stress hormone called cortisol.

 

 

This study is an extension of an earlier project examining associations between prenatal mental health and infant temperament prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results from this project have been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences. For example, we have found that lower stress levels during pregnancy predicts less negative affect in infancy. Data from this study has also been used to develop an instrument measuring anticipatory worries regarding the transition to parenthood.

With parallel data both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we will be able to examine how this unprecedented event has influenced maternal mental health and infant temperament. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous stressors for pregnant women, including uncertainty regarding the birthing process and the risk of perinatal infection. This study will add to our current understanding of how this increased stress may impact infant development.

 

Women who participate in this study can receive up to $35 in gift cards and a baby t-shirt. If you are interested in participating, please email jennifer.mattera@wsu.edu or complete our interest form.

 

 

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