Perinatal Mental Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Few studies have shown the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on new mothers' health, but the long-term consequences of the crisis are yet unknown. This study aimed at evaluating the changes experienced in perinatal mental health 6 months after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. Women (n = 176, average age = 33.80) were recruited during the pandemic. Participants completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Satisfaction With Life Scale and Positive, and the Negative Affect Schedule. Results showed a decrease in depressive symptoms, t(174) = 2.58, p = .01, d = 0.02, whereas anxiety symptoms remained high, t(174) = 1.31, p = .19. In terms of psychological well-being, the results showed a decrease in life satisfaction, t(175) = 2.58, p = .011, d = 0.16, and negative affect, t(175) = 3.15, p = .002, d = 0.26, and an increase in positive affect, t(175) = -4.45, p < .001, d = 0.35. This study is expected to shed light on the design of future interventions aimed at the prevention of symptoms and to enhance life satisfaction during the perinatal stage.

The Day After: The Longitudinal Effect of COVID-19 Lockdown on Quality of Life of University Students and the Moderator Role of Mindfulness

“…While numerous studies have examined the immediate effects of the pandemic on various populations [7,8,10,11,15,42,43], there has been a gap in research regarding how QoL changed within a specific cohort before and after the onset of the pandemic. In our longitudinal study, we assessed the QoL of university students before and after the COVID-19 lockdown, while also investigating the potential moderating effect of DM on this impact.…”

“…Ensuring easy access to mental health resources and encouraging students to seek help when needed is also crucial. Bearing in mind that the effect of COVID-19 on QoL occurred in different stages of life-like childhood and adolescence [55], elderly people [56], and pregnant women [43]. Also, in a university setting the implementation of interventions fostering dispositional mindfulness could have side benefits given the mediator effect of DM on the relationship between anxiety and exam performance [57].…”