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Preventing Childbirth-Related PTSD With Expressive Writing
Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to test a brief psychological intervention given to individuals in the first days following childbirth who have experienced a potentially stressful childbirth. The treatment is aimed at preventing post-traumatic stress disorder following childbirth and promoting maternal-infant bonding. In the days following childbirth, participants will be asked to write about their childbirth experience or a neutral event for three consecutive days, for around 15 minutes each day. Additionally, they will complete a short survey before and after the intervention about their birth experience and mental health. Around 2 months postpartum (with the option of up to around Month 3 PP), participants will take part in mental health and physiological assessments, and in a brief play session with their infant.
Official title: The Effects of Expressive Writing Following Traumatic Childbirth
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
136
Start Date
2023-11-08
Completion Date
2026-05-31
Last Updated
2026-01-21
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Expressive Writing about Childbirth
Participants will write repeatedly about their deepest emotions and thoughts related to their recent childbirth, focusing on the most stressful experiences.
Neutral Writing
Participants will write repeatedly about neutral daily events/tasks not related to childbirth.
Locations (1)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, United States