A narrative review of positive psychology interventions for women during the perinatal period

Abstract

Recent studies suggest that positive perinatal maternal mood can buffer the effects of negative feelings and promote women and infant well-being. Evidence from Positive Psychology has shown that Positive Psychology Interventions (PPIs) can enhance well-being and/or reduce negative symptoms. The objective of this comprehensive narrative review was to identify and critically review the current evidence about the use of PPIs designed to improve women’s mental well-being during the perinatal period. A systematic search of four online databases was conducted. Two intervention programmes have been identified. Both interventions were online-based and gratitude was the common PPI. The common target was women’s mental health well-being during the perinatal period. This review has synthesised the first studies in the wake of a new model of PPIs aimed to foster women’s well-being during the perinatal period. Nevertheless, much more research is required to establish which, how, and for whom PPIs can be suitable.

Keywords:

• Mental health
• perinatal care
• positive psychology
• interventions
• women’s health
• review

Additional information

Funding

This study was partially funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (Spain), (Prometeo GVPROMETEO2018-110), and the CIBERobn, an initiative of Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII).