Self-Compassion Based Program for New Parents

JRCT ID: jRCT1030220453

Registered date:21/11/2022

Basic Information

• Recruitment status: Not Recruiting
• Health condition(s) or Problem(s) studied: Pregnancy Trimester, Second; Pregnancy Trimester, Third; Postpartum Period
• Date of first enrollment: 21/11/2022
• Target sample size: 72
• Study type: Interventional

Intervention(s)

This is a Self-Compassion based program for couples of expectant mothers and her partner, which provides group-learning (Online Cafe and reports) and individual practices (Short movies and meditation practices) from the second trimester of pregnancy to three months postnatal period. The "Online Cafe," which is classified as a group-learning program in this study, refers to an online parenting class at Zoom. The name "Online Cafe" was chosen instead of "Online Parenting Class" because it emphasizes a form of learning in which perinatal parents gather and talk with each other more freely.

[Period of Intervention]
Minimum: Three months (Participation in the intervention at 30 weeks gestation, delivery at 37 weeks, and participation in the third Online Cafe around one month postnatal)
Maximum: Eight months (Participation in the intervention at 22 weeks gestation, delivery at 42 weeks, and participation in the third Online Cafe around 3 months postnatal)

[Contents and Frequency]
During Pregnancy
1. Online Cafe (Twice)
Content: (i) Explanation (e.g., explanation of the program, elements of self-compassion, self-criticism, loving-kindness phrases, difficult emotions in the postnatal period, and empathy fatigue in family relationships)
(ii) Meditation practice (e.g., content that reminds us of the concept of self-compassion and enhances loving-kindness)
(iii) Group discussion (e.g., how to deal with oneself up to now, what do you think about self-compassion, and how to apply them to parenting life)
Duration: The first session 90 minutes; the second session 120 minutes

2. Short Movies (Five movies, once a week)
Content: (i) Explanation (e.g., research on self-compassion, mindfulness, process of learning self-compassion, and loving-kindness phrases toward oneself)
(ii) Meditation practice (e.g., content that reminds us of the concept of self-compassion and enhances feelings of loving-kindness)
Duration: about 30 minutes each

3. Reports (Twice)
Content: Submit a summary of own experiences by short movies and meditation practices
Duration: about 15 minutes each

4. Individual meditation practice (Five types, optional)
Content: Meditation practice related to self-compassion and loving-kindness
Duration: about 15 minutes each

5. Submit a short message form (optional)
Content: Submit your feelings and questions voluntarily during the short movies period.

Postnatal period
1. Online Cafe (Once)
Content: Review of concepts, meditation practice, and group discussion (e.g., experiences using self-compassion before and after childbirth, and plans for future child-rearing life)
Duration: 120 minutes

Whole period
1. Work notes
Content: Record your thoughts and experiences during the program

Outcome(s)

• Primary Outcome: The working mechanism of program related to self-compassion

Secondary Outcome

1. Formative evaluation (Participation, Satisfaction, Implementation outcomes of digital mental health program)
2. Self-compassion
3. Depressive symptoms
4. Perceived stress
5. Bonding to the infant
6. Marital satisfaction
7. Adult attachment style
8. Fears of compassion
9. Parental attachment recognition

Key inclusion & exclusion criteria

• Age minimum: > 18age old
• Age maximum: Not applicable
• Gender: Both

Include criteria

1. A couple of primiparous mother between 22 and 31 gestational week at the begining of intervention and her partner (who will be in charge of parenting her baby)
2. Above 18 years old
3. Capable of reading, writing and communication in Japanese language

Exclude criteria

1. Currently under treatment of psychiatrics or psychosomatics
2. Unable to attend three occations of online programs prior to intervention
3. Whom the researchers conclude that participation would be too much burden for

Related Information

• Primary Sponsor: Ikeda Mari
• Source(s) of Monetary Support: a grants-in-aid of The YAMAJI FUMIKO NURSING RESEARCH FUND